From bottom of the class a year ago to potential contenders in 2001. That is the optimistic outlook of the Sharks management as they begin their preparations for the long haul towards glory in the Super 12 by way of a double-trial run at the Absa Stadium on Friday.

Finding the right combinations is what it is all about, a main priority being the centre pairing. With Joe Gillingham no longer contracted to the Sharks, the role to be played by luckless Springbok Andre Snyman - on the comeback trail after two damaging ankle injuries in successive seasons - will be of prime importance.

At flyhalf there's an experimental element with Gaffie du Toit being rested for the Friday night bash against the Cats. Du Toit was favoured at fullback by coach Rudolf Straeuli last season, despite national coach Harry Viljoen's belief that the Sharks man is more suited at flyhalf.

Butch James, the main hailed as the best of the emerging flyhalves in the province, will find himself at centre alongside Deon Kayser in the main trial line-up, with former under-21 flyhalf Herkie Kruger getting the nod to play alongside scrumhalf Craig Davidson.

Ricardo Loubscher starts off at fullback against the Cats in the main trial, while Justin Swart will run out at No 15 against Natal Wildebeest in the early game. Centre Trevor Halstead and prop Brent Moyle were not considered because of fitness reasons.

Sharks vs Cats: Ricardo Loubscher, Stefan Terblanche, Deon Kayser, Butch James, Stephen Brink, Herkie Kruger, Craig Davidson, AJ Venter, Charl van Rensburg, Warren Brosnihan, Mark Andrews (capt), Albert van den Berg, Etienne Fynn, John Smit, Ollie le Roux.

Sharks vs Wildebeest: Justin Swart, Russell Bennett, Gus Theron, Andre Snyman, Rodger Smith, Solly Goosen, Hentie Martens, Shaun Sowerby, Bennie Jacobs, Warren Britz (capt), Philip Smit, Philip Schutte, Deon Carstens, Vorster Venter, Marius Mostert. - Sapa