Sharks shuffle pack for Lions clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks host the Lions in a vital Currie Cup penultimate round clash at Kings Park this Saturday.
Head coach Etienne Fynn has made a number of changes to the side from their last outing – against the Cheetahs – in a bid to secure a top-four finish with just two rounds of the pool stages remaining.
Dian Bleuler and Jason Alexander take over at loosehead prop and hooker for Khwezi Mona and Fez Mbatha (injured) respectively.
Thembelani Bholi shifts to lock in place of Emile van Heerden, with Jeandre Labuschagne taking his place on the flank, joining James Venter who reverts as captain and takes over from Dylan Richardson.
In the only changes to the backline, there is a new halfback partnership with Mthokozisi ‘Zee’ Mkhabela replacing Cameron Wright and Joaquin Bonilla replacing Boeta Chamberlain.
The Lions earned their first win of the tournament last week against Western Province – who the Sharks play in next weekend’s final round – a 33-10 victory that no doubt will give them huge amounts of confidence after a disappointing season that hasn’t gone to plan, with 10 points in 11 matches.
The Sharks are being pursued by the Pumas on the log and an interesting weekend awaits with the Mbombela-based side travelling to Bloemfontein to take on the high-riding Cheetahs.
Sharks: 15 Nevaldo Fleurs, 14 Marnus Potgieter, 13 Jeremy Ward, 12 Murray Koster, 11 Anthony Volmink, 10 Joaquin Bonilla, 9 Mthokozisi Mkhabela, 8 Mpilo Gumede, 7 Jeandre Labuschagne, 6 James Venter (captain), 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Thembelani Bholi, 3 Lourens Adriaanse, 2 Jason Alexander, 1 Dian Bleuler.
Replacements: 16 Jacques Marais, 17 Kwezi Mona, 18 Keagan Glade, 19 OJ Noa, 20 Nick Hatton, 21 Geraldo Jaars, 22 Jordan Chait, 23 Siviwe Zondani.
Date: Saturday, June 4
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 17.00 (15.00 GMT)
Referee: Cwengile Jadezweni
Assistant Referees: AJ Jacobs, Zukile Madikizela
TMO: Egon Seconds
