April to start at flyhalf for Sharks
The Sharks have the reached the midway mark of their New Zealand tour after the Blues last Saturday ended a 10-year losing streak against the Durban-based franchise.
Gary Gold's charges will conclude their tour against the Chiefs in Hamilton on Friday, April 29.
With little rotation in team selection for the first seven matches of the tournament, Gold, Sharks Director of Rugby, has made a number alterations to this week’s team.
Garth April will start at pivot with regular starter Joe Pietersen dropping to the bench.
Daniel du Preez and Paul Jordaan’s niggles sustained during their match against Blues have precluded their selection.
JP Pietersen shifts to outside centre with Odwa Ndungane coming into the starting line-up at right wing, while S’bura Sithole will provide back-up on the bench.
Keegan Daniel is the final change to the run-on side and comes in for Du Preez.
If they come off the bench, blindsider Jean Deysel and Springbok hooker Mahlatse Ralepelle will make their first appearances for the Sharks in the 2016 competition.
“Paul Jordaan was struggling, as was Daniel du Preez, and that afforded a few other guys an opportunity,” explained Gold.
“We want competition for places to be strong and with a squad of 27 on tour, we want to be able to call on each of them, and for everyone to make a contribution.”
Gold also said that the Sharks are upbeat and determined to turn their fortunes around, something that he acknowledges contentedly.
“We believe we’re moving in the right direction, especially with our youngsters such as the du Preez twins and Franco Marais.
"Certain people may have written us off, but the Sharks have always been known for their fighting spirit and the boys are keen to impress this Friday.”
Sharks: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 JP Pietersen, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Garth April, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Philip van der Walt, 7 Jean-Luc du Preez, 6 Keegan Daniel, 5 Stephan Lewies, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Franco Marais, 1 Tendai Mtawarira (captain).
Replacements: 16 Mahlatse Ralepelle, 17 Thomas du Toit, 18 Lourens Adriaanse, 19 Hyron Andrews, 20 Jean Deysel, 21 Michael Claassens, 22 Joe Pietersen, 23 S’bura Sithole.
Date: Friday, April 22
Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Kick-off: 19.35 (09.35 SA time, 07.35 GMT)
Referee: Ben O’Keefe (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Mike Fraser (New Zealand), Kane McBride (New Zealand)
TMO: Shane McDermott (New Zealand)
