For many local rugby fans Sharks loose forward Keegan Daniel is THE form man of the Currie Cup. He’s proved his adaptability, playing at either number eight or flank and has scored eight tries in the competition this season. In addition to his defence and ball winning abilities, he gives the Sharks that something special on attack and covers all corners of the park.
Keegan Daniel left out of Bok squad. What are your thoughts? Send us your comments below.
Daniel was included in the South African Rugby Union’s shortlist of five for the Currie Cup Player of the Year award (Full list Bjorn Basson, Keegan Daniel, Duane Vermeulen, Pat Lambie and Elton Jantjies). This indicates that he’s one of the top loosies in the country right now, but unfortunately he’s also up against some extremely talented players: his team-mate and buddy Ryan Kankowski; Willem Alberts; Schalk Burger; Pierre Spies; Heinrich Brussow (when fit); Duane Vermeulen; Juan Smith etc etc.
The SARU shortlist for SA Rugby Player of the Year is Schalk Burger, Gio Aplon and Juan de Jongh (all Stormers and Western Province) and Francois Hougaard and Gurthro Steenkamp from the Blue Bulls. Sharks fans might contend that the list is incomplete without a Shark or two!
For now Daniel’s going to have to keep trucking and hope his big break arrives. He’ll have to take heart from his outstanding Currie Cup form and not be disappointed that he hasn’t been chosen for the 39-man training squad for the end of season European tour.
There may yet be another twist in the tail with the Currie Cup final to be played against Western Province next week.
www.sharksrugby.co.za profile of Keegan Daniel
Position: Flank
Physical: 1.88m, 94kg
Province: The Sharks
Born: 05.03.85, East London
Province Caps: 54
Province Points: 95 [19t]
Province Debut: 2006 v Pumas
Super 14 Caps: 48
Super 14 Points: 25 [5t]
Super 14 Debut: 2006 v Reds
A livewire flanker who has proven to be of immense value to The Sharks, having come through the Sharks Academy system. Playing the game at a high tempo, his vision and skills are complimented by a big heart, a player who often punches above his weight and coming out on top.