Du Preez tweaks team for Boland
In the front row, there is a rotational change where Mahlatse Ralepelle comes into the starting line-up for Franco Marais while Ruan Botha replaces Stephan Lewies who is carrying a niggle and has been given a rest this week. The loose-forward trio remains unchanged.
Amongst the backs, there are just two changes. Heimar Williams comes in for Lukhanyo Am who not been considered due to injury while veteran Odwa Ndungane returns to the wing in place of Neil Maritz.
Du Preez admits that he is looking for steady improvement throughout the competition and will be hoping for a step up from last week.
"We want to improve every week and this week we are looking for improvement in our set-pieces, scrums, line-outs and execution. It is important that our forward pack gives us that stability and foundation to attack from.
"The intensity against Boland is not going to be any different to the other two matches we've played. They are a difficult team to play against and they have nothing to lose. We are looking forward to the challenge."
Sharks: 15 Curwin Bosch, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Heimar Williams, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Sibusiso Sithole, 10 Inny Radebe, 9 Stefan Ungerer, 8 Philip van der Walt, 7 Lubabalo Mtembu, 6 Keegan Daniel (captain), 5 Ruan Botha, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Mahlatse Ralepelle, 1 Dale Chadwick.
Replacements: 16 Franco Marais, 17 John-Hubert Meyer, 18 JC Astle, 19 Jean Deysel, 20 Hanco Venter, 21 Wandile Mjekevu, 22 Garth April.
Date: Friday, August 19
Venue: Boland Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 15.00 (13.00 GMT)
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen
Assistant referees: Rodney Boneparte, Aimee Barrett
TMO: Willie Vos
