Sharks confirm three late injury changes
Keegan Daniel, Jean Deysel and Stephan Lewies have been ruled out of the Cell C Sharks' clash against the Cheetahs this weekend.
Sharks coach Robert du Preez had warned on Thursday that both Daniel and Deysel would undergo late fitness tests before the match and the team has confirmed that both players have been ruled out.
Daniel is struggling with an abdominal strain while Deysel is nursing a hip flexor strain. Springbok lock Stephan Lewies was also a late change - a hamstring injury has forced his withdrawal from the match day 22 for the top-of-the-table clash.
That means Francois Kleinhans comes into the starting XV for Daniel after months sidelined by injury. The equally capable Khaya Majola provides cover off the bench.
Half-expecting the worst case scenario to play out, Du Preez said that Kleinhans was ready and raring for action earlier this week.
"Frana is in great shape and I'm sure if he gets an opportunity he'll relish that. It's good to have that backup in our setup," Du Preez said.
Ruan Botha moves into the starting lineup for Lewies while eighthman Philip van der Walt takes over the captaincy in Daniel's absence.
The Sharks host the Cheetahs on Saturday at Growthpoint Kings Park. Kickoff is at 17h00.
Sharks team (15-1):
Curwin Bosch, Odwa Ndungane, Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, S'bura Sithole, Inny Radebe, Stefan Ungerer, Philip van der Walt (c), Jean-Luc du Preez, Francois Kleinhans, Ruan Botha, Etienne Oosthuizen, Thomas du Toit, Franco Marais, Juan Schoeman.
Replacements: Chiliboy Ralepelle, John-Hubert Meyer, Jean Droste, Khaya Majola, Michael Claassens, Wandile Mjekevu, Rhyno Smith.
Twitter - @gazza_jenks @ECRSportswave
Facebook - ECRSportswave