Pumas ring the changes after latest loss
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse has rung the changes for the team’s Currie Cup Round Five encounter with the Sharks.
Having lost to the Cheetahs (17-28) at home last time out, the Pumas will field a much-changed team against the Sharks at the Mbombela Stadium on Friday.
Tapiwa Mafura starts at fullback in place of stalwart Devon Williams.
Sebastian de Klerk is the new right wing in place of Sihle Njezula.
However, the biggest bolster is at inside centre – with Eddie Fouche moving from flyhalf to No.12 in place of Aliqhayiya Mgijima, with Tinus de Beer starting at No.10.
There are also two changes up front.
Anele Lungisa is at blindside flank, with Phumzile Maqondwana dropping down to the bench.
Utility front row forward Corne Fourie is back at hooker, with Eduan Swart missing out this week.
The Pumas are keen to bounce back, after back-to-back losses to Griquas and the Cheetahs.
Pumas: 15 Tapiwa Mafura, 14 Sebastian de Klerk, 13 Alwayno Visagie, 12 Eddie Fouche, 11 Jade Stighling, 10 Tinus de Beer, 9 Lucky Dlepu, 8 Willie Engelbrecht (captain), 7 Anele Lungisa, 6 Daniel Maartens, 5 Shane Kirkwood, 4 Malembe Mpofu, 3 Simon Raw, 2 Corne Fourie, 1 Ruan Kramer.
Replacements: 16 Llewellyn Classen, 17 Dewald Maritz, 18 Ignatius Prinsloo, 19 Darrien Landsberg, 20 Phumzile Maqondwana, 21 Chriswill September, 22 Devon Williams, 23 Ali Mgijima.
Date: Friday, March 4
Venue: Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
Kick-off: 19.00 (17.00 GMT)
Referee: Jaco Peyper
Assistant referees: Morne Ferreira, Local
TMO: Marius Jonker
