DURBAN – Sharks coach Rob du Preez once again picked what looks to be his best possible side to face a second-string Bulls team in their last warm-up match on Friday.
Du Preez utilised a similar tactic when his side faced the Cheetahs in a warm-up game in Umlazi that saw the home side eventually dominate the current Currie Cup champions, but struggle with discipline.
There were pleasing signs coming out of the Umlazi match. However, Keegan Daniel holding his arm was not one of them, and the loose forward is now out for three months.
As such, there is a change in the loose trio, with Tera Mtembu taking up the vacant No 8 jersey as Du Preez persists with using Philip van der Walt at openside, perhaps due to a slight lack of depth there.
Lourens Adriaanse replaces Coenie Oosthuizen at tighthead in the only tactical change in the pack. Meanwhile, Cobus Reinach links up with Springbok halfback Pat Lambie to start the match as the only change to the backline.
There is also an extended bench with no real surprises as the coach puts the finishing touches on his squad ahead of their first match against the Reds on February 24.
“This is an important match for us. It’s our last opportunity to fine tune our plans before the competition starts. We need to be well structured and accurate with our execution.” Du Preez explained about the Bulls friendly, which will take place at the Crusaders Rugby Club in Durban (5pm kickoff).
The front-line Bulls players are currently in Brisbane participating in the Brisbane 10s as part of their warm-up. It is likely that the team that travels to Durban North will be a young one, made up of predominantly fringe players.
The Sharks will wear black armbands for their match in memory of Springbok stalwart Joost van der Westhuizen, who passed away on Monday.
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Sharks Team
15 Curwin Bosch, 14 Kobus van Wyk, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 André Esterhuizen, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Pat Lambie (captain), 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Tera Mtembu, 7 Jean-Luc du Preez, 6 Philip van der Walt, 5 Ruan Botha, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Lourens Adriaanse, 2 Franco Marais, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Bench: 16 John-Hubert Meyer, 17 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 18 Coenie Oosthuizen, 19 Wian Vosloo, 20 Jean Droste, 21 Jacques Vermeulen, 22 Jean Deysel, 23 Francois Kleinhans, 24 Rohan Gouws, 25 Benhard Janse van Rensburg, 26 Sibusiso Nkosi, 27 Jeremy Ward, 28 Johan Deysel, 29 S’bura Sithole, 30 Clement Poitrenaud.