Alberts returns to new-look Sharks

 

Etienne Oosthuizen and Willem Alberts have both returned from injury lay-offs, and the pair will start their return to rugby making an impact off the bench.

 

Odwa Ndungane has been named at fullback, replacing SP Marias who gets a rest after starting all eight matches to date.

 

This sees the return of Sibusiso Sithole on the wing, with Fred Zeilinga replacing the injured Pat Lambie in the final change to the backline.

 

Up front, there is an overhaul with Lourens Adriaanse, Franco Marais and Dale Chadwick packing down in the front row, after Jannie du Plessis and Tendai Mtawarira were rested.

 

Renaldo Bothma replaces the suspended Jean Deysel in the final change.

 

Marco Wentzel has been named captain.

 

“Our performance this past weekend was unacceptable, and we have taken full responsibility for the result and are determined to fix it this weekend,” Gold admitted.

 

“I believe in these players, we have a great group of guys. 

 

"We are just not playing well at the moment and nobody can deny that. 

 

"We are just going to have to show some character. We are going to have to step up to the plate. It is as simple as that.”

 

Sharks: 15 Odwa Ndungane, 14 Sibusiso Sithole, 13 Waylon Murray, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Fred Zeilinga, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Ryan Kankowski, 7 Renaldo Bothma, 6 Marcell Coetzee, 5 Marco Wentzel (captain), 4 Mouritz Botha, 3 Lourens Adriaanse, 2 Franco Marais, 1 Dale Chadwick.

Replacements: 16 Monde Hadebe, 17 Thomas du Toit, 18 Matt Stevens, 19 Etienne Oosthuizen, 20 Willem Alberts, 21 Conrad Hoffmann, 22 Lionel Cronje, 23 Jack Wilson.

 

Date: Saturday, April 11

Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg

Kick-off: 17.05 (15.05 GMT)

Referee: Stuart Berry (South Africa)

Assistant referees: Jaco van Heerden (South Africa), Rodney Boneparte (South Africa)

TMO: Deon van Blommestein (South Africa)