IF THE Bulls can do it, why not the Sharks? That will be the thinking of the Dick Muir-coached side which lost the all-South African Super 14 title decider to the Bulls at home in Durban last year.

So what will be the difference this year? Locals will not necessarily look to one of their own for the answer, but to a game-breaking Frenchman - five-eighth Frederic Michalak.

The flair of the 25-year-old with 50 Test caps could electrify a back line full of players who thrive in open space - Ruan Pienaar, Francois Steyn, Brad Barritt, Waylon Murray and JP Pietersen.

However, Michalak is not the only foreigner joining the Sharks this year. Also on board is Tongan utility Epi Tione, who caught the eye of recruiters when Tonga played the Springboks at the World Cup.

After topping the table at the end of the regular season last year, the Sharks deserve to be ranked the best of the South African teams - especially since the Bulls may find defending the title harder than winning it.

The Pretoria-based champions will miss Springboks second-rower Victor Matfield, although an early release from French club Toulon will allow him to return for the second half of the season. More telling is the loss of last season's coach, Heyneke Meyer, who retired after missing out on the Springboks job, and backs coach Todd Louden, who has joined the Waratahs.

Of South Africa's three other teams, reigning Currie Cup champions the Cheetahs pose the greatest threat, followed by the Lions. However, with the enterprising Rassie Erasmus leaving the Cheetahs to coach the Stormers, the Cape Town franchise, may spring a few surprises.

HERALD EXPERTS' TIPS
Bulls
Greg Growden 2nd. Rupert Guinness 6th. Phil Wilkins 4th. Spiro Zavos 6th. Last year: 2nd (won final)

Cheetahs
Greg Growden 12th. Rupert Guinness 11th. Phil Wilkins 13th. Spiro Zavos 12th. Last year: 11th

Lions
Greg Growden 14th. Rupert Guinness 12th. Phil Wilkins 12th. Spiro Zavos 13th. Last year: 12th

Sharks
Greg Growden 3rd. Rupert Guinness 2nd. Phil Wilkins 8th. Spiro Zavos 5th. Last year: 1st (lost final)

Stormers
Greg Growden 11th. Rupert Guinness 8th. Phil Wilkins 7th. Spiro Zavos 14th. Last year: 10th