Sharks reveal team for crucial Newlands clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Robert du Preez has revealed his team to face the Stormers in a crucial final-round encounter at Newlands on Saturday.
It is a must-win game for both teams with a top-eight finish is at stake. The Jaguares have secured their position as Conference winners while the four South African sides are separated by just three points going down to the final weekend.
Both Tendai Mtawarira and Cameron Wright are back from injury.
Mtawarira takes over from Mzamo Majola in the front row, with Majola playing off the bench while Ruben van Heerden will move to the starting line-up this week in the absence of Ruan Botha, who has been battling with a nerve impingement in his foot.
There is just one change to the backline, Aphelele Fassi reverting to fullback for Curwin Bosch who has an ankle injury.
Hooker, Craig Burden has tweaked his hamstring and is also unavailable which opens the door of opportunity for Cullen Collopy.
Gideon Koegelenberg provides lock cover on the bench and utility back Rhyno Smith is named on the bench.
Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Sibusiso Nkosi, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Louis Schreuder (captain), 8 Daniel du Preez, 7 Tyler Paul, 6 Jacques Vermeulen, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements: 16 Cullen Collopy, 17 Mzamo Majola, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Gideon Koegelenberg, 20 Luke Stringer, 21 Cameron Wright, 22 Jeremy Ward, 23 Rhyno Smith.
Date: Saturday, June 15
Venue: Newlands Stadium, Cape Town
Kick-off: 15.05 (13.05 GMT)
Referee: AJ Jacobs (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Cwengile Jadezweni (South Africa), Divan Uys (South Africa)
TMO: Willie Vos (South Africa)
