Sharks coach John Plumtree is in a place he has never been before and he does not like it.
The Sharks, tipped to be a force in the Super 14 this season, are languishing in 12th place, winless after five games, although they have picked up four bonus points thanks to four close losses.
Plumtree, the former Wellington coach, said it was tough for both him and the team.
"I think this is a learning curve for me.
"I've never been in this position before.
"But it is about how you react to this," Plumtree said.
"I've got to show leadership for this team.
"I've tried to keep it very positive and the guys have remained very positive, too.
"We've had a couple of close losses and this competition is so tough.
"Sometimes the margin between a win and a loss can be so tight."
Plumtree will be without captain John Smit tonight as the Springbok skipper is carrying an ankle injury.
Winger Odwa Ndungane is still feeling the effects of a concussion from a head knock he suffered against the Brumbies.
That has led to the debut of Pat Lambie, just two years out of school, at fullback with Stefan Terblanche moving to the wing.
Plumtree said the Sharks needed to get their discipline right after conceding an average of 10 penalties a game.
They have also had five yellow cards.
"It's hard enough to win these games with 15 players let alone 14 . . . certainly when you have those close losses you start thinking of getting in a spiral you can't get out of," Plumtree said.
"But you've just got to keep working hard.
"The players are a really confident group and have been great.
"There are still 35 to 40 points in this competition up for grabs."
