Sharks ring changes for Rebels
Cell C Sharks coach Rob du Preez has made a number of changes to his team for their clash against the Rebels on Friday.
Most notably, Springbok flank Jean-Luc du Preez returns to the starting lineup having featured off the bench in the Sharks' 24-17 loss to the Brumbies last week.
Meanwhile in the backline, an ankle strain has ruled Andre Esterhuizen out of action this week. Marius Louw starts at inside centre in Esterhuizen's absence.
Outwide, Sbu Nkosi and Lwazi Mvovo come into the starting lineup on either wings at the expense of Kobus van Wyk and Makazole Mapimpi.
Speaking ahead of the clash, coach Du Preez said he's confident his charges can bounce back after a losing start to their Australasian tour.
“This team has a lot of character and are determined to bounce back strongly. Vodacom Super Rugby is a tough competition and you have to take the good with the bad and move on from disappointment, which we have," Du Preez said.
“It’s an absolute priority to start well against the Rebels and I have no doubt that if we do start well and we get on a roll, we will be difficult to stop.”
Sharks team (15-1): Curwin Bosch, Sbu Nkosi, Lukhanyo Am, Marius Louw, Lwazi Mvovo, Robert du Preez, Louis Schreuder, Tera Mtembu, Jean-Luc du Preez, Jacques Vermeulen, Stephan Lewies, Ruan Botha, Thomas du Toit, Akker van der Merwe, Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements: Franco Marais, Juan Schoeman, John-Hubert Meyer, Hyron Andrews, Wian Vosloo, Cameron Wright, Kobus van Wyk, Garth April.