Sharks play all their aces in last warm-up match

SHARKS coach Rob du Preez once again picked what looks to be his best possible side to face a second-string Bulls team in their last warm-up match at Crusaders Rugby Club in Durban North.

Du Preez used a similar tactic when his side faced the Cheetahs in a warm-up game in Umlazi that saw the home side eventu- ally dominate the current Currie Cup Champions, but struggle with discipline. There were pleasing signs coming out of the Umlazi match; however, a Keegan Daniel holding his arm was not one of them. The flanker is now out for three months.

As such, there is a change in the loose trio, with Tera Mtembu taking up the vacant No 8 jersey as Du Preez persists with using Philip van der Walt at openside, perhaps, because of a slight lack of depth there.

Lourens Adriaanse replaces Coenie Oosthuizen at tighthead in the only tactical change in the pack. Meanwhile Cobus Reinach links up with Springbok halfback Pat Lambie to start the match as the only change to the backline.

There is also an extended bench with no real surprises as the coach puts the finishing touches on his squad before their first match against the Reds on February 24.

“This is an important match for us. It’s our last opportunity to fine tune our plans before the competition starts. We need to be well structured and accurate with our execution.” Du Preez explained.

The frontline Bulls players are in Brisbane participating in the Brisbane 10s as part of their warm-up. It is likely that the team who travel to Durban North will be a young one, made up of predominantly fringe players.

The Sharks will wear black armbands for their match in memory of Springbok stalwart, Joost van der Westhuizen. 15 Curwin Bosch, 14 Kobus van Wyk, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Pat Lambie (captain), 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Tera Mtembu, 7 Jean-Luc du Preez, 6 Philip van der Walt, 5 Ruan Botha, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Lourens Adriaanse, 2 Franco Marais, 1 Tendai Mtawarira

Reserves: 16 John-Hubert Meyer, 17 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 18 Coenie Oosthuizen, 19 Wian Vosloo, 20 Jean Droste, 21 Jacques Vermuelen, 22 Jean Deysel, 23 Francois Kleinhans, 24 Rohan Gouws, 25 Benhard Janse van Rensburg, 26 Sibusiso Nkosi, 27 Jeremy Ward, 28 Johan Deysel, 29 S’bura Sithole, 30 Clement Poitrenaud

Kick-off: 5pm