DURBAN - One of the Sharks’ stand out players this year, Andre Esterhuizen, will reach his half-century against the Bulls at Loftus this weekend at 5pm. The 24 year old has been an almost permanent fixture at No 12 for the Sharks in the last few seasons and has reached this milestone in quick time.
There is only one change for the Sharks side that picked up a magnificent 38-12 win over the Highlanders in Durban last week as Jacques Vermeulen comes in to the No 6 jersey for Philip van der Walt.
Van der Walt took a blow to the nose and jaw in last weeks game and had to come off early. Assistant coach Dick Muir confirmed earlier in the week that the prognosis did not look good for Van der Walt’s chances in this game. Wian Vosloo takes over the vacant bench spot.
Another change on the bench sees Chiliboy Ralepelle take over from Franco Marais, and should the Springbok come onto the park, he will earn his 100th cap. The hooker played 69 games for the Bulls and the rest for the Sharks.
The Sharks lost their last encounter to the Bulls 40-10 on Kings Park a few weeks back and in the aftermath, the coach and even the players admitted that they were embarrassed by the performance.
This will offer them a chance for redemption as they continue to push for a play off spot in the congested African Conference.
Sharks team:
1. Tendai Mtawarira, 2. Akker van der Merwe, 3. Thomas du Toit, 4. Tyler Paul, 5. Ruan Botha (C), 6. Jacques Vermeulen, 7. Jean-Luc du Preez, 8. Daniel du Preez, 9. Cameron Wright, 10. Robert du Preez, 11. Makazole Mapimpi, 12. Andre Esterhuizen, 13. Lukhanyo Am, 14. Sbu Nkosi, 15. Curwin Bosch. Replacements: 16. Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17. Juan Schoeman, 18. Ross Geldenhuys, 19. Stephan Lewies, 20. Wian Vosloo, 21. Louis Schreuder, 22. Marius Louw, 23. Lwazi Mvovo.