8 Boks return to the Sharks
Eight returning Springboks and a further two players back from injury add to a strong Sharks side to take on the Blues at Growthpoint KINGS PARK this Saturday (kick-off 2.50pm).
The Blues are a dangerous side, chasing a top six finish and will no doubt be looking to give it their all against a Sharks side determined to show what they are capable of.
“The Blues have always had a willingness to play from all areas of the field and if you look at the players they have – certainly in the backline – they have x-factor players all over the field,” explains Sharks assistant coach Grant Bashford. “They are a handful with the right ball so we need to stunt them and limit them quality ball, deny them gain-line quick ball.”
He adds that like all sides who analyse the opposition, there are areas they will target in an attempt to disrupt the visiting side.
“Their lineout hasn’t functioned as well as they would have liked at times this year, their scrum has also put them under a bit of pressure.
We have areas we would like to put them under pressure, but that’s the case with every team you play. It won’t be a surprise to them in any way.
“For us, it’s about regrouping really quickly and trying to finish this campaign on a high.”
The Sharks
1. Tendai Mtawarira
2. Kyle Cooper
3. Jannie du Plessis
4. Edwin Hewitt
5. Franco van der Merwe
6. Marcell Coetzee
7. Willem Alberts
8. Keegan Daniel (Captain)
9. Charl McLeod
10. Patrick Lambie
11. Lwazi Mvovo
12. Butch James
13. Louis Ludik
14. Odwa Ndungane
15. Riaan Viljoen
Replacements:
16. Bismarck du Plessis
17. Daniel Mienie / Wiehahn Herbst
18. Jandre Marais
19. Jean Deysel
20. Jacques Botes
21. Jacobus Reinach
22. Jaco van Tonder
(File Photo: Gallo Images)
-The Sharks