Sharks make big changes before play-offs
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Robert du Preez has made a number of changes to his team to face Griquas in Kimberley on Saturday.
Curwin Bosch has been handed a start at flyhalf, with Robert du Preez junior shifting to centre in place of Marius Louw, who moves to the bench.
There is a return for Sibusiso Nkosi after being called up for the Springbok squad ahead of their final game against the All Blacks.
Aphelele Fassi takes over Bosch’s place in the vacated fullback position.
Scrumhalf Louis Schreuder takes over the captaincy for the match as season captain and hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle swaps with Akker van der Merwe, handing the latter a start.
Also, in the front row, and the only other change amongst the forwards, Coenie Oosthuizen comes in for Thomas du Toit for a straight rotational swap.
There are two notable inclusions on the bench. Under-19 lock JJ van der Mescht gets an opportunity, while Jean-Luc du Preez returns from injury.
Two points will be enough for the Sharks to secure a home semifinal.
The Sharks could also leap-frog Western Province at the top of the standings should the team from Durban gain a bonus point victory and Province are denied any log points against the Blue Bulls.
Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Sibusiso Nkosi, 13 Jeremy Ward, 12 Robert du Preez, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Louis Schreuder (captain), 8 Daniel du Preez, 7 Tyler Paul, 6 Jacques Vermeulen, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Gideon Koegelenberg, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Akker van der Merwe, 1 Juan Schoeman.
Replacements: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Thomas du Toit, 18 JJ van der Mescht, 19 Jean-Luc du Preez, 20 Grant Williams, 21 Marius Louw, 22 Kobus van Wyk.
Date: Saturday, October 13
Venue: Griqua Park, Kimberley
Kick-off: 15.00 (13.00 GMT)
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen
Assistant referees: Ben Crouse, Jaco Kotze
TMO: Lourens van der Merwe
