April back in Du Preez's good books
The 26-year-old playmaker was left out of the team for last week's Currie Cup Round Seven encounter with Western Province at Newlands over a "breach of team protocols".
Last week Sharks head coach Robert du Preez said he would keep April out of his team until he alters his behaviour and it seems the player has done so as he included in the matchday squad for Saturday’s clash.
Meanwhile, in changes from the starting side that defeated Western Province last week, Jacobus van Wyk picked a groin injury against Province and is unavailable for the match. His place on the wing is taken by debutant Tythan Adams in the only change to the backline, while a fit again Keegan Daniel comes into the side on the flank to take the place of Tyler Paul who has shifted to lock in place of Jean Droste.
Droste plays off the bench after breaking his nose last Saturday.
The front row shows three changes. Thomas du Toit returns from injury to replace the injured Juan Schoeman and at tighthead John-Hubert Meyer replaces the injured Ross Geldenhuys with Armand van der Merwe swopping places at hooker with Franco Marais.
Curwin Bosch returned to Durban on Tuesday and was not considered for selection this week, due to him having missed the Monday and Tuesday training sessions. He will most definitely be in contention for next week's match.
Sharks: 15 Inny-Christian Radebe, 14 Tythan Adams, 13 Jeremy Ward, 12 Lukhanyo Am, 11 Sibusiso Nkosi, 10 Benhard Janse van Rensburg, 9 Louis Schreuder, 8 Lubabalo Mtembu, 7 Jacques Vermeulen, 6 Keegan Daniel, 5 Ruan Botha (captain), 4 Tyler Paul, 3 John-Hubert Meyer, 2 Armand van der Merwe, 1 Thomas du Toit.
Replacements: 16 Franco Marais, 17 Mzamo Majola, 18 Jean Droste, 19 Wian Vosloo, 20 Michael Claassens, 21 Marius Louw, 22 Garth April.
Date: Saturday, September 2
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 16.15 (14.15 GMT)
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen
Assistant referees: Ben Crouse, Archie Sehlako
TMO: Marius Jonker