Beast(ly) blow for Sharks
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks coach Robert du Preez has named a 27-man squad for Saturday’s Super Rugby quarterfinal clash with the Brumbies in Canberra.
The Sharks scored a dramatic come-from-behind 12-9 victory over the Stormers this past weekend.
The team departed for Australia without Tendai Mtawarira, who will not make the trip – after his withdrawal with a knee niggle from the Stormers match.
In addition, Philip van der Walt and Jean-Luc du Preez have not been passed fit to play.
Also missing the trip is injured Springbok hooker Armand van der Merwe, who has been sidelined with a shoulder injury in recent weeks.
Craig Burden has been included after picking up a hamstring tweak that ruled him out of this past Saturday’s match at Newlands.
Further good news is the inclusion of Curwin Bosch, who also missed the Stormers game, but is now fully fit.
“The Stormers are a fantastic side and the game could have gone either way,” Du Preez said.
“The game was in the balance all the way to the final hooter, but I thought the character the boys showed was tremendous and that vindicated everything this team is about on attack and defence.
“We were dominant the whole game and scored two tries. But rugby is a cruel game, a game of moments.”
Sharks tour squad
FORWARDS: Coenie Oosthuizen, Cullen Collopy, Craig Buren, Daniel du Preez, Gideon Koegelenberg, Hyron Andrews, Jacques Vermeulen, John-Hubert Meyer, Juan Schoeman, Kerron van Vuuren, Luke Stringer, Mzamo Majola, Ruben van Heerden, Thomas du Toit, Tyler Paul.
BACKS: Louis Schreuder (captain), Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Cameron Wright, Curwin Bosch, Jeremy Ward, Kobus van Wyk, Lukhanyo Am, Makazola Mapimpi, Robert du Preez, Rhyno Smith, Sibusiso Nkosi.
