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Pietersen at fullback for Sharks

By
Wednesday 5 Aug 2015
Pietersen played the pivot role for the Cheetahs in the Super Rugby season but finds himself in the No.15 jersey for the Sharks while Lionel Cronje dons the No.10.
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Other new signings Wandile Mjekevu and Philip van der Walt are operating at outside centre and No.8 respectively.
 
In the forwards, Jean-Luc Du Preez earns a start at blindside flank and he is partnered with Khaya Majola on the openside.
 
Marco Wentzel will continue his role from Super Rugby and captain the Sharks team. 
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"We had a good pre-season and I am happy with the composition of our team," said head coach Gary Gold.
 
There is some exciting young talent coming through the ranks. Guys like Stefan Ungerer, Daniel and Jean-Luc du Preez, Monde Hadebe, Franco Marais and Thomas du Toit will be given their opportunities during the course of this campaign. 
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"The Pumas are a well-coached unit and are coming off a high with their win in the Vodacom Cup competition. They are always a tough prospect at home."
 
Sharks: 15 Joe Pietersen , 14 Sibusiso Sithole, 13 Wandile Mjekevu, 12 Heimar Williams, 11 Andre Esterhuizen, 10 Lionel Cronje, 9 Stefan Ungerer, 8 Philip van der Walt, 7 Jean-Luc du Preez, 6 Khaya Majola, 5 Marco Wentzel (Captain), 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Lourens Adriaanse, 2 Monde Hadebe, 1 Dale Chadwick.
Replacements: 16 Franco Marais, 17 Thomas du Toit, 18 Dave McDuling , 19 Daniel du Preez , 20 Francois Kleinhans, 21 Michael Claassens, 22 SP Marais.
 
Date: Friday, August 7
Venue: Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
Kick-off: 18.00 (16.00 GMT)
Referee: Jaco van Heerden
Assistant referees: Ben Crouse, Renier Vermeulen
TMO: Johan Greeff

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