By Jacques van der Westhuyzen
One of 2004's big early season finds, Henno Mentz, makes a belated entry to this year's Super 12 when the Sharks take on the Waratahs in Durban on Saturday.
Mentz, who earned two Test caps in June, never again found the form which catapulted him to the national team, but he'll be keen to show just why he was such a hit during last season's edition of the Super 12.
He comes into the side in place of Dean Hall, who is being rested after taking a knock on the knee last weekend.
'Henno is in peak condition' "Henno is in peak condition and he is as excited as we are about his involvement this week," Sharks coach Kevin Putt said on Thursday.
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Two other changes have been made to the side that was beaten by the Stormers last Friday. Warren Britz returns to the openside flank, displacing Jacques Botes, while Charl van Rensburg comes in at lock for Nico Breedt.
"In terms of what we need tactically to take on the Waratahs, we've decided to bring Charl into the mix," said Putt.
Adrian Jacobs is also back in the Sharks set-up, filling a position on the bench, while young hooker Bismarck du Plessis is also likely to get an opportunity in the second half. Jaco Gouws will again lead the side as John Smit is in London, playing in the tsunami charity game.
The Waratahs have selected Rocky Elsom at openside flank after scavenger Phil Waugh was also called up for the London game.
The duel between fullbacks Brent Russell and Mat Rogers should be one of the highlights of the match and if the home side are to collect their first points of the season, they'll have to keep Rogers and fellow backs, Morgan Turinui and Lote Tuqiri, at bay.
In another match on Saturday with a South African interest, the Stormers will be looking to build on a good start when they face the Highlanders in Invercargill.
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