THE Sharks are hopeful their matchwinning utility back Francois Steyn will play on Saturday night, but are preparing to stay onside with one of their least favourite referees, New Zealander Bryce Lawrence.
The Sharks weren't exactly overjoyed when told on arrival in Sydney this week that Lawrence would be in charge, especially after he played a critical role in their first loss of the season, against the Brumbies in Canberra last month. The Sharks lost two players - No.8 Ryan Kankowski and Steyn - to the sin bin in the second half because of indiscretions at the tackle area, and the Brumbies rebounded from 18-7 down to score the next 20 points.The Sharks had good reason to be irked by Lawrence, as several of his rulings were harsh.
Steyn, who suffered a rib injury against the Cheetahs, has returned to training and is a likely starter. However, Springboks prop BJ Botha is set to miss the match.
Greg Growden
