Gold looks for answers to counter Lions
Unbeaten, with maximum log points and riding a wave of confidence and continuity, the Lions make a strong argument as possibly title contenders, something not lost on Gold who warns that his charges will have it tough this weekend.
According to the official Sharks Rugby website, Paul Jordaan and Andre Esterhuizen form a youthful, but exciting new centre partnership for this week’s match, while S’bura Sithole is welcomed back into the fray, slotting in on the wing.
The hugely experienced Michael Claassens get his first start of the campaign, as does Francois Kleinhans who comes in for the injured Jean Deysel.
Up front, Dale Chadwick returns from injury, replacing Juan Schoeman in the final change with Lourens Adriaanse, Khaya Majola and Kyle Cooper not considered due to injury.
“Attacking rugby is the Lions’ DNA and we have to improve our defence,” Gold admits.
“The talk this week has been about an immense improvement for this weekend against the Lions and we know we are going to have to pitch up physically against the Lions.”
It is also the chance to lay down a marker, both to their opposition in the competition as well as for themselves; as well as making a defining statement.
“The Lions at Growthpoint KINGS PARK is a really good opportunity for us to step up to the plate.
“A really good performance and hopefully a victory out of that would definitely give us a lot of confidence going forward. It will give us some confidence to know we can compete with what I believe are the bookies’ favourites in this competition – and quite rightly should be. They had a fantastic Super Rugby competition, they’re a very settled squad and they’re playing great rugby.”
Sharks:
15. Joe Pietersen
14. Odwa Ndungane
13. Paul Jordaan
12. Andre Esterhuizen
11. S’bura Sithole
10. Lionel Cronje
9. Michael Claassens
8. Philip van der Walt
7. Daniel du Preez
6. Francois Kleinhans
5. Marco Wentzel (Captain)
4. Etienne Oosthuizen
3. Thomas du Toit
2. Monde Hadebe
1. Dale Chadwick
Replacements
16. Franco Marais
17. Gerhard Engelbrecht
18. Dave McDuling
19. Jean-Luc du Preez
20. Stefan Ungerer
21. Wandile Mjekevu
22. SP Marais -- sharksrugby.co,.za
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