Bosch replaces Du Preez at flyhalf as Sharks seek redemption
Curwin Bosch has replaced Robert du Preez at flyhalf as the Cell C Sharks look to bounce back from a poor run of form in Super Rugby.
There has been mounting pressure on Du Preez in recent weeks, as the flyhalf has struggled to find the kind of form that saw him lead Western Province to victory in the Currie Cup two years ago.
The Sharks’ loss to the Reds in Durban last week Friday seems to have forced coach Rob du Preez’s hand as he has made a number of changes to team for their clash with the Waratahs this weekend.
Regular scrumhalf and skipper Louis Schreuder also drops to the bench this week with Cameron Wright moving into the starting lineup. It must be said that Schreuder has played a lot of rugby and was probably due a rest at this stage of the competition. Beast Mtawarira will captain the side with Schreuder on the bench.
Springbok centre Lukhanyo Am and Springbok wing Makazole Mapimpi have returned to the starting lineup in their regular positions.
While one Du Preez has dropped out of the starting XV, another has been elevated to the run-on side. Jean-Luc du Preez has played two matches off the bench since his return from injury and starts at blindside flank.
Hooker Akker van der Merwe and lock Ruan Botha have been included on the Sharks bench. The burly hooker is available again after serving a three-week suspension for his brawl with fellow Bulls hooker Schalk Brits.
Thomas du Toit swaps with Coenie Oosthuizen to get a start at tighthead prop in an all-Springbok rotation.
Speaking from their base in Australia this week, coach Du Preez admitted that he was looking to make some changes this week as they go in search of a change in fortune
“It’s always tough when you lose at home, we’ve lost four at home so it’s disappointing for all of us. But the boys are in good spirits, there is good energy and it is always good on tour. We’re in each other’s company everyday and that is going to be great. We’re looking forward to a really solid outing on Saturday,” the coach said.
The Waratahs will be tough to beat at home and will be confident after beating a quality Rebels outfit last weekend. But the Sharks coach says his players are motivated by the chance to make a move in the South African conference.
“On any given day, if you’re off your game you will lose. For us it’s a must win game to get our campaign back on track. The South African conference is still wide open. The boys are keen to get this one under the belt, it’s a tough assignment but I believe we’ve got the team to do it.”
Sharks team (15-1): Aphelele Fassi, Sbu Nkosi, Lukhanyo
Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Makazole Mapimpi, Curwin Bosch, Cameron Wright, Daniel
du Preez, Jean-Luc du Preez, Philip van der Walt, Hyron Andrews, Ruben van
Heerden, Thomas du Toit, Kerron van Vuuren, Beast Mtawarira (c).
Replacements: Akker van der Merwe, Mzamo Majola, Coenie Oosthuizen, Ruan Botha, Jacques Vermeulen, Louis Schreuder, Robert du Preez, Marius Louw.