Sharks bring in big guns for crucial derby
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Robert du Preez has had no hesitation in throwing his Springbok players back into action for their crucial Super Rugby clash against the Lions at Kings Park on Saturday.
The Lions have not lost to another South African team since 2015 and the Sharks feel they have a good chance of breaking that run this weekend.
In the backline, Robert du Preez junior and Cameron Wright are the halfbacks with Lukhanyo Am and Andre Esterhuizen in the midfield.
Curwin Bosch, Sibusiso Nkosi and Makazole Mapimpi form an exciting back three.
SUPER RUGBY RETURNS#SuperRugby #Sizzle #TryTime pic.twitter.com/KOj4kJC0Jk
— Super Rugby (@SuperRugby) June 28, 2018
In the pack, Daniel and Jean-Luc du Preez together with Philip van der Walt form the back row. Ruan Botha once again leads the team and he will be partnered with Tyler Paul in the second row.
The front row consists of Thomas du Toit, Armand van der Merwe and Tendai Mtawarira.
Sharks: 15 Curwin Bosch, 14 Sibusiso Nkosi, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Cameron Wright, 8 Daniel du Preez, 7 Jean-Luc du Preez, 6 Philip van der Walt, 5 Ruan Botha (captain), 4 Tyler Paul, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Armand van der Merwe, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements: 16 Mahlatse Ralepelle, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 Ross Geldenhuys, 19 Hyron Andrews, 20 Jacques Vermeulen, 21 Louis Schreuder, 22 Marius Louw, 23 Lwazi Mvovo.
Date: Saturday, June 30
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 17.15 (15.15 GMT)
Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
Assistant referees: AJ Jacobs (South Africa), Stuart Berry (South Africa)
TMO: Marius Jonker (South Africa)