Esterhuizen returns in Supersport Rugby Challenge
Cell C Sharks centre Andre Esterhuizen will make his return from a ban in the Sharks XV's Supersport Rugby Challenge clash against the Leopards this weekend.
The burly centre has served out his six-match ban for a dangerous tackle in the Sharks' win over the Rebels back in April and beefs up the Sharks XV line-up.
He's not the only Super Rugby regular available to coach Paul Anthony this weekend, as Sbu Nkosi, Jacques Vermeulen and Garth April have been named in the starting XV.
The Sharks XV have a game in hand in the Supersport Rugby Challenge, but currently sit in fourth place on the central section log. A win over the Leopards will do their tournament hopes a world of good this weekend.
Esterhuizen's inclusion is at the expense of the impressive Marius Louw, who was a standout performer in the Sharks' demolition of the Griffons last weekend in Clermont.
Nevertheless the return of the Super Rugby starter is a big boost for the union and he will definitely benefit from some game time after six weeks on the sidelines.
Sharks veterans Keegan Daniel, Odwa Ndungane and Sbura Sithole have been playing for the Sharks XV for the past few weeks and all three have been fine form.
Sharks XV (1-15): Juan Schoeman, Stephan Coetzee, John-Hubert Meyer, Jean Droste, Hyron Andrews, Khaya Majola, Jacques Vermeulen, Keegan Daniel, Rowan Gouws, Garth April, Sbu Nkosi, Andre Esterhuizen, S’bura Sithole, Odwa Ndungane (C), Courtney Winnaar.
Replacements: Andrew du Plessis, Thierry Kounga, Rikus Zwart, Wian Vosloo, Hanco Venter, Benhard Janse van Rensburg, Tristan Blewett.