Bosch to start...at 15
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks team named to take on the Lions in Johannesburg on Friday shows just two changes to last week’s side for this important Super Rugby derby match.
There were some encouraging signs last week that the Sharks were about to assert themselves and dominate territory and possession, but frustration with closing out the opportunities created. This will have been a major focus in preparation for the Lions this week.
Up against a team who love to run the ball, the Sharks defence will certainly be tested, although it is in this facet that the team cannot be faulted. The Durban side have conceded just nine tries in six matches, by far the tournament’s leading team in this department and mixing great defence with finishing off opportunities created will be the recipe the team hopes to accomplish.
Head coach Robert du Preez has made just two changes to last week’s side, one upfront and one in the backline.
The loss of Akker van der Merwe to a three-week suspension has necessitated a change in the front row, with Kerron van Vuuren starting and Fez Mbatha coming onto the bench as cover at hooker.
The 23-year-old Van Vuuren will have the country’s most experienced uper Rugby player packing down beside him, and a fellow Bok in Coenie Oosthuizen on the other side of the front row.
Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira will start this crucial match and make national history when he becomes the most capped South African rugby player in the competition. This will be his 157th appearance, overtaking the former record-holder Adriaan Strauss.
Curwin Bosch replacing Aphelele Fassi at fullback is the only other change to the starting XV.
On the bench, Juan Schoeman comes in for Khutha Mchunu while JJ van der Mescht (like Mbatha, another player from last year’s triumphant Cell C Sharks Under 19 campaign) is poised to make his Vodacom Super Rugby debut, replacing Gideon Koegelenberg as cover at lock.
Sharks: 15 Curwin Bosch, 14 Lwazi Mvovo, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Louis Schreuder (captain), 8 Daniel du Preez, 7 Jacques Vermeulen, 6 Luke Stringer, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 1 Tendai Mtawarira
Replacements: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 JJ van der Mescht, 20 Philip van der Walt, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Kobus van Wyk, 23 Aphelele Fassi.
Date: Friday, April 5
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 19.10 (17.10 GMT)
Referee: Mike Fraser (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Rasta Rasivhenge (South Africa), Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)
TMO: Willie Vos (South Africa)
