Lambie to spark Sharks' backs
The Sharks have golden boy Patrick Lambie back for this weekend's crucial Super Rugby encounter with the Cheetahs in Durban on Saturday.
Lambie returns to action from the ankle injury that he picked up in the second Test between the Springboks and England, and will slot into fullback on Saturday.
The 21-year-old takes over the No.15 jersey from Louis Ludik, who drops onto the bench to cover the outside backs.
There is also the return of Springbok wrecking ball Willem Alberts, who takes up a place on the bench for this match following the excellent performance of the Keegan Daniel, Marcell Coetzee and Ryan Kankowski back row last weekend against the Bulls.
There is an injury enforced change at lock, where Jandre Marais will partner Anton Bresler after the impressive Pieter-Steph du Toit picked up an ankle injury against the Bulls. Du Toit is bracketed on the bench with Jean Deysel, while Steven Sykes is still yet to recover from his injury.
The injury to Bismarck du Plessis has meant the Springbok hooker will take up a spot on the bench this week, with his understudy Craig Burden wearing the No.2 jersey.
Another returning loose forward, Jacques Botes, has been passed fit and will provide additional cover on the bench that has a five/two split. Meyer Bosman and Paul Jordaan are also bracketed on the bench with a final decision on the pair only likely to be made on matchday.
The Sharks will more than likely require a victory over the Cheetahs to advance into the playoffs, while a full house of five points from the match will guarantee them a spot in the top six.
Sharks: 15 Patrick Lambie, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Tim Whitehead, 12 Francois Steyn, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Frederic Michalak, 9 Charl McLeod, 8 Ryan Kankowski, 7 Marcell Coetzee, 6 Keegan Daniel (captain), 5 Anton Bresler, 4 Jandre Marais, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Craig Burden, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements: 16 Bismarck du Plessis, 17 Wiehahn Herbst, 18 Pieter-Steph du Toit /Jean Deysel, 19 Willem Alberts, 20 Jacques Botes, 21 Meyer Bosman /Paul Jordaan, 22 Louis Ludik.
Date: Saturday, July 14
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 17.05 (15.05 GMT)
Referee: Jaco Peyper
Assistant referees: Marius Jonker, Reuben Rossouw
TMO: Gerrie Coetzee
