Sharks rest a few players for Chiefs clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Robert du Preez has made three changes to his team’s starting line-up to face the Chiefs in Hamilton on Saturday.
Du Preez has made rotational changes to give certain players a rest.
Up front, Hyron Andrews returns to the starting XV in place of Ruben van Heerden while Philip van der Walt moves to No.8 for Daniel du Preez.
Jacques Vermeulen comes into the starting XV at flank.
There is just one change to the backline with Marius Louw replacing Andre Esterhuizen.
Fezokuhle Mbatha, Tyler Paul, Luke Stringer and Kobus van Wyk all come onto the bench for Saturday’s clash.
Akker van der Merwe has returned home from the tour with a shoulder niggle. Mbatha joined the team earlier in the week as cover at hooker.
Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Sibusiso Nkosi, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Louis Schreuder (captain), 8 Philip van der Walt, 7 Jean-Luc du Preez, 6 Jacques Vermeulen, 5 Ruan Botha, 4 Hyron Andrews, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 1 Thomas du Toit.
Replacements: 16 Fezokuhle Mbatha, 17 Mzamo Majola, 18 John-Hubert Meyer, 19 Tyler Paul, 20 Luke Stringer, 21 Cameron Wright, 22 Robert du Preez, 23 Kobus van Wyk.
Date: Saturday, May 11
Venue: FMG Stadium, Hamilton
Kick-off: 19.35 (09.35 SA time; 07.35 GMT)
Referee: Nic Berry (Australia)
Assistant referees: Paul Williams (New Zealand), Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)
TMO: Aaron Paterson (New Zealand)
