He filled in at fullback as an emergency measure in the last Sharks match, but now young sensation Curwin Bosch returns to his rightful flyhalf position for Saturday’s Super Rugby encounter against the Rebels in Durban.
Bosch has been a revelation this season, with his playmaking skills matched by an unerring boot, where he has accumulated 81 points to be the leading points-scorer in the competition.
The former SA Under-20 star has taken his opportunity at No 10 afforded by Pat Lambie’s injury, and the Port Elizabeth-bred organiser will look to spearhead the Sharks’ attack against the men from Melbourne in place of Inny Radebe, who drops out of the match-23 that beat the Jaguares 18-13.
Coach Robert du Preez has opted to bring in youngster Benhard Janse van Rensburg to the bench as flyhalf cover, while Rhyno Smith will start at fullback.
There is an injury-enforced change in the loose trio, where Jean-Luc du Preez is ruled out with an ankle niggle, and is replaced by Philip van der Walt, with Jacques Vermeulen the reserve loose forward.
Sharks Team
15 Rhyno Smith, 14 Kobus van Wyk, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 André Esterhuizen, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Dan du Preez, 7 Philip van der Walt, 6 Tera Mtembu (captain), 5 Stephan Lewies, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Franco Marais, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Bench:16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Thomas du Toit, 18 Lourens Adriaanse, 19 Ruan Botha, 20 Jacques Vermeulen, 21 Michael Claassens, 22 Benhard Janse van Rensburg, 23 Jeremy Ward.