Gold shuffles Sharks around
The Sharks have been hit with a number of sore bodies following their 18-13 victory over the Stormers in Round Three and Gold has opted to change things around.
"We have a huge amount of confidence in the guys that have come off the bench and they have made a significant difference to our games at critical stages. There were a few sore bodies after the Stormers match, so it made sense to make a few changes.
"These changes are not disruptive but it does mean that other guys that have put their hands up have an opportunity to start this week, rather than come off the bench." he said.
Gold knows it will be a tough task playing in Pretoria and are under no illusions that it will be a highly physical encounter.
"Another very tough challenge awaits our new generation, made trickier by the fact that it's a short turn around before the match. Our preparation needs to be very precise this week, in terms of what we do. We are comfortable with the plans we have put in place.
"The Bulls were fantastic against the Rebels and were particularly impressive in many areas. This is a big South African derby and we under no illusions about the physicality they are going to bring.
"We want to improve each week and keep on building as a team. We are really keen to keep the momentum going now and, as a result, our confidence will keep growing. It's the reason we've rotated a few guys this week," he added.
JP Pietersen will don the No.14 jersey while Odwa Ndungane moves to the bench in place of Sibusiso Sithole. Lwazi Mvovo has recovered from his niggle to return to the starting line-up. Michael Claassens has been handed a start at scrumhalf to partner Joe Pietersen.
Jean-Luc du Preez' injury sees Philip van der Walt taking his place, with Keegan Daniel returning to the Sharks fold on the bench. There are changes in the front row as well with Coenie Oosthuizen and Franco Marais making way for Lourens Adriaanse and Kyle Cooper.
Sharks: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Paul Jordaan, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Joe Pietersen, 9 Michael Claassens, 8 Daniel du Preez, 7 Philip van der Walt, 6 Marcell Coetzee, 5 Stephan Lewies, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Lourens Adriaanse, 2 Kyle Cooper, 1 Tendai Mtawarira (captain).
Replacements: 16 Franco Marais, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 Coenie Oosthuizen, 19 Hyron Andrews, 20 Keegan Daniel, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Garth April, 23 Odwa Ndungane.
Date: Friday, Match 18
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Kick-off: 19.00 (17.00 GMT)
Referee: Glen Jackson (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Stuart Berry (South Africa), Rasta Rasivhenge (South Africa)
TMO: Willie Vos (South Africa)
