Sharks flanker Warren Brosnihan believes the credit for the team's success in the 2001 Super 12 campaign can be placed squarely in front of coach Rudolf Straeuli's door.
The Durban-based side have been in inspirational form this season - topping the log after seven wins from eight outings, including two successive victories in New Zealand. This is in stark contrast to last year's disaster when they finished bottom of the log with only one win to their credit.
Speaking on the Sharks' website, Brosnihan said Straeuli's strict discipline was the key to the good team spirit engulfing the camp at the moment. "The guys that were selected to go on tour all get along very well. We play for each other and don't try and function as individuals. Their aren't any troublemakers and subsequently we are a happy, satisfied squad."
Last year, however, things were way different. "We were out of control last season," he admitted. "There were too many Chiefs and too few Indians in the team. The players' egos were allowed to take over.
"(But) the coach changed everything and laid down the law. He won't tolerate and individual who thinks he's bigger than the team. If someone strays from that, he's out of here... the coach will see to that.
The Sharks face the Reds in Ballymore on Sunday and will be fighting for a home semifinal. However, they are guarding against complacency. "Rugby is a strange game and things can change quickly," Brosnihan said. "It's important that we stay humble. We haven't achieved anything yet. The important part of our season is only starting now."