Vulindlu to tackle Sharks
Exciting backline star Luzuko Vulindlu will face his former Sharks teammates when he runs out for Griquas on the wing in a Currie Cup Round Five match in Kimberley on Saturday.
In the only change to the Griquas starting XV, from that which beat the Lions last week, Vulindlu replaces the injured Jannie Boshoff (persistent hamstring problems) in the No.14 jersey.
The replacement bench shows two changes – Simon Westraadt comes in for Matthew Dobson as cover at hooker, while Richard Lawson comes back from injury in place of Matthew Rosslee as a utility back.
Vulindlu, a product of the Sharks Academy, showed himself capable of playing at the top level – having represented the Sharks in the 2009 Super 14.
Having appeared in the senior squad from relative obscurity, the big back was plucked from the relative obscurity of the KwaZulu-Natal Under 21 side to play Super Rugby before even playing Currie Cup rugby.
A strong back with a good work ethic he also represented the Sharks at Craven Week, Under-19 and U21.
Vulindlu, powerful, quick and incredibly determined, represented the Emerging Springboks in 2009 against the British and Irish Lions – when they played to a 13-all draw at Newlands.
In 2010, Vulindlu had another superb year with the Sharks, putting in some strong performances in both the Super 14 and Currie Cup competitions.
At the beginning of 2011, Vulindlu signed with French club Auch, but has decided to return to the country to try and make his mark with the men in peacock blue.
Griquas: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Luzuko Vulindlu, 13 Jean Stemmet, 12 Walter Venter, 11 Rocco Jansen, 10 Francois Brummer, 9 Marnus Hugo, 8 Leon Karemaker, 7 Wesley Wilkins, 6 Marnus Schoeman, 5 Martin Muller, 4 Rynhardt Landman, 3 Lourens Adriaanse, 2 Ryno Barnes (captain), 1 Steph Roberts.
Replacements: 16 Simon Westraadt, 17 Ivann Espag, 18 Frikkie Spies, 19 Justin Downey, 20 Jacques Coetzee, 21 Marnitz Boshoff, 22 Richard Lawson.
Date: Saturday, September 8
Venue: GWK Park, Kimberley
Kick-off: 15.00 (13.00 GMT)
Referee: Lesego Legoete
Assistant referees: Jaco Peyper, François de Bruin François
TMO: Shaun Veldsman
