Sharks look to shake off Blues

Van der Walt packs down at the back of the scrum this weekend while regular eighthman Daniel du Preez shifts to openside flank after Marcell Coetzee was ruled out for 9 months with a serious knee injury.

The only other change sees lock Stephan Lewies return to the starting lineup after a short injury break - the rest of the Sharks starting line-up remains unchanged from their 24-9 loss to the Lions last weekend.

Meanwhile loose head prop Thomas du Toit looks set to get his first taste of Super Rugby action this year off the bench.

The Sharks will be looking for a massive improvement at scrum time after receiving a bit of a pummeling from the Lions. Springbok prop Coenie Oosthuizen will be looking to make amends from the bench for a poor performance in that regard last weekend, while director of rugby Gary Gold demanded an all-round improvement from his forwards.

“Parity at scrum time is going to be really important for us, in order to give ourselves enough opportunities to launch attacks against them.  Also, we have to be much more accurate with our set-pieces and discipline is a key focus for us going into this weekend.”

History is on the Sharks side this weekend, as they have a 10 match winning streak over the Blues. However the New Zealand outfit have turned the corner under their new coach - former All Black captain Tana Umaga.

Nevertheless Gold was confident that his charges could have a successful tour.

“The players are upbeat and are excited as well as optimistic about this three-week tour.  We are confident that we tour well and we’re hoping we can really surprise a few people with some improved performances.

“The Blues played really well against the Chiefs last weekend and they would’ve been disappointed not to have won that game. Under Tana Umaga they seem to be more settled. They are a real threat and have massive ball carriers, a good set-piece and obviously electric backs, who are renowned steppers,” Gold said.

The Sharks face the Blues on Saturday. Kickoff is at 09h35.

Sharks team (15-1): Willie le Roux, JP Pietersen, Paul Jordaan, Andre Esterhuizen, Lwazi Mvovo, Joe Pietersen, Cobus Reinach, Philip van der Walt, Jean-Luc du Preez, Daniel du Preez, Stephan Lewies, Etienne Oosthuizen, Lourens Adriaanse, Franco Marais, Tendai Mtawarira (c).

Replacements: Kyle Cooper, Thomas du Toit, Coenie Oosthuizen, Hyron Andrews, Keegan Daniel, Michael Claassens, Garth April, Odwa Ndungane.

Jaco Peyper will be the referee in Auckland.

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