Beast returns to Sharks line-up
Head Coach Robert du Preez has made just three changes to our Cell C Sharks team named to play the Jaguares in our round seven Vodacom Super Rugby clash in Durban.
Beast Mtawarira, who was unavailable for selection last week due to the death of his grandmother, makes a welcome return to the starting line-up along with fellow Springbok Stephan Lewies, who replaces Ruan Botha in the number 5 jersey.
According to the official Sharks Rugby website, Botha joins Thomas du Toit and Philip van der Walt, who is returning from injury, on the bench for this match. Chiliboy Ralepelle who was a late withdrawal from last week’s team with a quad strain has also been named on the bench.
Du Preez has always maintained that this competition will require a squad effort and the impetus provided by our bench is going to be very important on Saturday, especially considering the physicality of the match.
Experienced Cell C Sharks scrumhalf Michael Claassens expects a tough battle on Saturday.
“The Jaguares are a tough side to play against. They are a competitive team who are made up of international players and they bring massive physicality to their game.
“Discipline is going to be important. We are still positive after last week’s match and we will be up for this game.”
Commenting on our team’s 2017 campaign Claassens said, “We’ve come a long way as a team and we are definitely on the right track. Building a team requires time together and consistency. We have great respect for our coach and we have all bought into the plan and we all know what we are working towards.”
Sharks: Beast Mtawarira, Franco Marais, Coenie Oosthuizen, Etienne Oosthuizen, Stephan Lewies, Tera Mtembu (capt), Jean-Luc du Preez, Daniel du Preez, Cobus Reinach, Curwin Bosch, Lwazi Mvovo (v/c), Andre Esterhuizen, Lukhanyo Am, Kobus van Wyk, Garth April.
Substitutes: Chiliboy Ralepele, Thomas du Toit, Lourens Adriaanse, Ruan Botha, Philip van der Walt, Maichael Claasens, Jeremy Ward, Inny Radebe.