DURBAN - It is still yet to happen that the three Du Preez boys, Robert, Jean-Luc, and Daniel, all play together for the Sharks, but they took a step in the right direction with flank Jean-Luc being named on the bench against the Brumbies.
Jean-Luc, as well as Daniel, suffered injuries early on in the season and the return of one of the burly loose forwards will give a lot of go-forward when he comes off the bench against a tiring, yet physical, Brumbies pack.
The coach has resisted the desire to make wholesale changes from the team that beat the Sunwolves in Durban last week.
Kobus van Wyk replaces Sbu Nkosi on the one win as the only change in the entire backline, with the dreadlocked winger falling out of the match day squad all together.
In the forwards, it is only a return for Thomas du Toit at tighthead after recovering from a niggle that kept him out of the Sunwolves game.
“The Brumbies are a very good team. Their pack of forwards is really strong and that is where the game is going to be won or lost. We have to cancel that pack of forwards to be dominant and be in the game.
“We enjoy touring and there’s a great vibe in the team. Our training sessions this week have been good with some great intensity. It’s important for us to start this tour off on a positive note.”
Sharks team:
15. Curwin Bosch, 14. Kobus van Wyk, 13. Lukhanyo Am, 12. Andre Esterhuizen, 11. Makazole Mapimpi, 10. Robert du Preez, 9. Louis Schreuder, 8. Tera Mtembu, 7. Jacques Vermeulen, 6. Wian Vosloo, 5. Stephan Lewies, 4. Ruan Botha (c), 3. Thomas du Toit, 2. Akker van der Merwe, 1. Tendai Mtawarira. Replacements: 16. Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17. Juan Schoeman, 18. John-Hubert Meyer, 19. Tyler Paul, 20. Jean-Luc du Preez, 21. Cameron Wright, 22. Marius Louw, 23. Lwazi Mvovo.