Jean-Luc returns, Sharks rest Beast and Coenie

 
Du Preez spent the latter stages of the 2018 season at Sale Sharks on loan where he picked up a groin injury and returned to Durban for recovery and now takes his place in the matchday 23 in one of a handful of changes made by head coach Robert du Preez.
 
With Springbok Rugby World Cup workloads in mind and the stated commitment to rotate players during the competition, Beast Mtawarira, Coenie Oosthuizen and Jacques Vermeulen have all been rested for this match.
 
This means two changes in the front row, with Juan Schoeman and Thomas du Toit packing down in the front row on either side of Kerron van Vuuren who starts his second match for the Cell C Sharks.
 
The other change to the starting line-up sees Philip van der Walt in for Vermeulen at flank with the backline remaining intact from last week.
 
Makazole Mapimpi, scorer of two tries in last weekend’s exhilarating 42-5 victory over the Emirates Lions, admits that they’re in for a big clash against a strong side.
 
“They’re an international team, a good side and we know it’s going to be tough. We need to back up our victory over the Lions with another one this week, especially as we want to have a good record in Durban.
 
“We’ve spoken about winning our home games, we’ve lost twice at home and it’s important not to lose again, especially after such a good win last week.”
 
Cell C Sharks
15. Curwin Bosch
14. Lwazi Mvovo
13. Lukhanyo Am
12. Andre Esterhuizen
11. Makazole Mapimpi
10. Robert du Preez
9. Louis Schreuder (c)
8. Daniel du Preez
7. Philip van der Walt
6. Luke Stringer
5. Hyron Andrews
4. Ruben van Heerden
3. Thomas du Toit
2. Kerron van Vuuren
1. Juan Schoeman
 
Replacements
16. Fez Mbatha
17. Mzamo Majola
18. John-Hubert Meyer
19. JJ van der Mescht
20. Jean-Luc du Preez
21. Grant Williams
22. Kobus van Wyk
23. Aphelele Fassi