Lewies, Pietersen in Sharks squad for Down Under

Stephan Lewies and JP Pietersen have been included in the 27-man touring group after spending varied periods of time on the sidelines, recovering from their respective injuries.

They will play the Highlanders and Hurricanes in New Zealand on their first half of the two-leg tour, before heading over to Australia to take on the Waratahs and Reds.

Their return will see them back at Growthpoint Kings Park for two final home games, against the Melbourne Rebels and then closing out their pool commitments against the Stormers.

Director of Rugby, Gary Gold says giving up is not an option.

“Tours are funny things, I’ve seen teams in far worse positions than us fight to get back and I’m not giving up the fight in any way, shape or form. I’m keen to work with these guys in adverse times, that’s when you see true warriors come out. That’s our challenge. We are down but we’re not out and now is the time to stand up and fight back. If we come back fighting in the last six games, we’ll salvage a lot of respect.”

Touring Squad

1. Lourens Adriaanse 
2. Willem Alberts 
3. Mouritz Botha 
4. Renaldo Bothma 
5. Dale Chadwick 
6. Marcell Coetzee 
7. Lionel Cronje 
8. Bismarck du Plessis 
9. Jannie du Plessis 
10. Andre Esterhuizen
11. Conrad Hoffmann 
12. Stephan Lewies
13. Franco Marais
14. Tendai Mtawarira 
15. Lubabalo ‘Giant’ Mtyanda
16. Waylon Murray 
17. Lwazi Mvovo 
18. Odwa Ndungane 
19. Etienne Oosthuizen 
20. JP Pietersen
21. Cobus Reinach
22. S’bura Sithole 
23. Matt Stevens 
24. Francois Steyn 
25. Stefan Ungerer 
26. Marco Wentzel 
27. Fred Zeilinga

The following players have not been considered for selection due to injury or suspension:

Patrick Lambie 
Pieter-Steph du Toit
Ryan Kankowski
SP Marais 
Tera Mtembu
Paul Jordaan
Jean Deysel (suspension)

(File photo: Gallo Images)