With the Sharks' preparations for the 2012 Super Rugby season winding down, hooker and vice-captain Bismarck du Plessis insists his team can finally claim their maiden title this year.

The coastal side have been runners-up and losing semifinalists on three occasions each and even though they have never won the competition, they have always been one of South Africa's top contenders and Du Plessis believes that this season will be no different.

"I think if you go into a season with Super Rugby not being one of your priorities, then you shouldn't be playing," said Du Plessis.

"It's a massive competition and we want to win it. We've been close to it a few times. So it's definitely one of our major focuses," he explained.

The Durban franchise are in the final stages of preparation after a gruelling pre-season campaign that began over a month ago and culminates with two friendlies over the next two weeks.

They face Currie Cup First Division champions Boland on Friday, followed by a clash against the Eastern Province Kings next weekend.

Du Plessis said that there is good energy in the squad, which has lost the services of loyal veterans John Smit, Stefan Terblanche and Adi Jacobs.
"I think it's been quite a long pre-season for all of us in the Durban heat, but I think the squad is looking good.

"We've got some new guys in and excellent young players so we are looking forward to getting on with it now," he said."

Another major absentee from coach John Plumtree's squad is Du Plessis' front row partner for province and country, Tendai 'Beast' Mtawarira, because of injury.

Mtawarira hurt his ankle at training two weeks ago and may be out for up to four months.

"I think losing Beast in any side will be a great loss, you're losing a great ambassador," Du Plessis said. "We're definitely going to miss him, but I do think there are a few young guys coming through and it's a great opportunity for them.

"You wait for those sort of opportunities, and I do think we have players here who will jump on them," he added.

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