Sharks bring in some 'heavy hitters' for Cavaliers
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks will host Boland Cavaliers in Pietermaritzburg in Saturday in the penultimate round of this year’s Currie Cup.
Boland returned to South Sfrica’s premier domestic competition with ambition and determination to compete.
And compete they have.
They will come up against a motivated and fired-up Sharks side, fresh off a bonus point victory over old foes Western Province, and keen to give their ‘home’ supporters in Pietermaritzburg something to cheer about.
Currie Cup coach JP Pietersen has made six changes to the team that defeated Western Province 29-21 at Kings Park last week.
Thre are three changes to the backline and three to the forwards.
Siya Masuku makes his first appearance in the tournament this year, coming in for Jean Smith at flyhalf, with the latter reverting to the bench.
At wing, Paschal Ekeji is in for Jaco Williams, while Marnus Potgieter makes way for Albie Bester at inside centre.
Amongst the forwards, there are two changes to the front row, Jacques Marais replaces Liam van Wyk at hooker, while Mawande Mdanda returns after playing off the bench last week.
He replaces Lee-Marvin Mazibuko at tighthead prop.
The final change sees Jannes Potgieter in for Batho Hlekani, who no doubt will bring his barnstorming version of physicality off the bench in the second half.
Sharks: 15 Hakeem Kunene, 14 Phikolomzi Sobahle, 13 Diego Apollis, 12 Albie Bester, 11 Paschal Ekeji, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Ceano Everson, 8 Nicholas Hatton (captain), 7 Jannes Potgieter, 6 Tino Mavesere, 5 Deon Slabbert, 4 Coetzee Le Roux, 3 Mawande Mdanda, 2 Jacques Marais, 1 Phatu Ganyane.
Replacements: 16 Bryce Calvert, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 19 Bathobele Hlekani, 20 Matt Romao, 21 Tiaan Fourie, 22 Jean Smith, 23 Christie Grobbelaar.
Date: Saturday, August 30
Venue: Woodburn Stadium, Pietermartizburg
Kick-off: 17.10 (15.q10 GMT)
Referee: Dylen November
Assistant referees: Paul Mente, Giana Viljoen
TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen
