Sharks drop ill-disciplined April
Cell C Sharks utility back Garth April has been dropped ahead of this weekend’s Currie Cup clash against Western Province.
The 26-year-old playmaker was left out of the team this weekend due to ill-discipline. While the Sharks management did not divulge the details of his indiscretion, coach Rob du Preez said the team’s leadership group backed the decision to drop the fullback.
“He breached team protocol and this is not the first time it’s happened,” Du Preez said on Thursday.
“I had a meeting with the leadership group and we jointly decided that he wouldn’t partake in this weekend’s game. It’s very disappointing and it’s unacceptable.”
April was in hot water at the Shark tank last year and found himself out of favour after returning late for preseason training. Nevertheless the team’s management have taken action this time around and April would do well to learn the lesson once and for all – as bad behaviour could cost him career in the long run.
Meanwhile Du Preez made a couple of rotational changes this week.
Keegan Daniel won’t feature against Western Province after having an abscess removed from his leg, while loosehead prop Thomas du Toit is nursing a badly bruised ankle. That sees Tyler Paul shift to blindside flank while Juan Schoemann starts in place of Du Toit.
The experience Louis Schreuder starts at scrumhalf this weekend and Jeremy Ward makes a welcome return to the backline at outside centre. Inny Radebe starts at fullback in April’s stead while Kobus van Wyk returns to the right wing – having missed the Lions game to get married a fortnight ago.
While a break must have been welcome after three matches in the space of eight days, the Sharks face the tough task of picking up where they left off having beaten the Lions thanks to a second half comeback.
The players will be fresh but it remains to be seen if they can carry the continuity from their four wins in a row before their bye week.
“A bye is never ideal but we had a really good week – I think the boys are ready,” the coach said.
"Defensively, WP have been outstanding and we know they have x-factor players on attack. We’re going to have to bring our A-game but I know the boys will be up for it.”
The Sharks take on Western Province at Newlands on Saturday - kickoff is at 15h00.
Sharks team (15-1): Inny Radebe, Kobus van Wyk, Jeremy Ward, Lukhanyo Am, Sbu Nkosi, Benhard Janse van Rensburg, Louis Schreuder, Tera Mtembu, Tyler Paul, Jacques Vermeulen, Ruan Botha, Jean Droste, Ross Geldenhuys, Franco Marais, Juan Schoeman.
Replacements: Akker van der Merwe, Mzamo Majola, John-Hubert Meyer, Wian Vosloo, Michael Claassens, Rhyno Smith, Odwa Ndungane.