Sharks make room for Jean-Luc
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Robert du Preez has made two changes to his starting team for Saturday’s Currie Cup Final against Western Province in Cape Town on Saturday.
Tyler Paul shifts into Jacques Vermeulen’s position on the side of the scrum, allowing an opening for Jean-Luc du Preez to gain his first start for the Sharks in this year’s competition.
Vermeulen moves to the bench for the game.
“Playing off the bench has been good for me,” said Jean-Luc Du Preez.
“Öbviously coming back from a long-term injury, I was gradually eased into action and it’s great to be back. ”
The other change to the starting XV is in the backline. Aphelele Fassi replaces Lwazi Mvovo, who was concussed in the Sharks 33-24 semifinal win against the Golden Lions.
Western Province are hosting the final thanks to their unbeaten run in the competition, which included a 35-32 extra-time win against the Blue Bulls in their semifinal.
The Sharks finished second in the competition standings.
We caught up with #OurSharks rampaging flank, Jean-Luc du Preez, ahead of @TheCurrieCup Final against DHL @WP_RUGBY this weekend. He let us in on how the @CellC Sharks are looking forward to delivering a full 80-minute performance this Saturday!💪💦🏃#WPvSHA #OurSharksForever pic.twitter.com/B71LrbLTX0
— The Sharks (@TheSharksZA) October 24, 2018
Sharks: 15 Curwin Bosch, 14 Sibusiso Nkosi, 13 Jeremy Ward, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Aphelele Fassi, 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Louis Schreuder (captain), 8 Daniel du Preez, 7 Jean-Luc du Preez, 6 Tyler Paul, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Gideon Koegelenberg, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Akker van der Merwe, 1 Juan Schoeman.
Replacements: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Mzamo Majola, 18 Coenie Oosthuizen, 19 Jacques Vermeulen, 20 Luke Stringer, 21 Cameron Wright, 22 Kobus van Wyk, 23 Leolin Zas.
Date: Saturday, October 27
Venue: Newlands Stadium, Cape Town
Kick-off: 16.00 (14.00 GMT)
Referee: Jaco Peyper
Assistant referees: AJ Jacobs, Cwengile Jadezweni
TMO: Shaun Veldsman
