Sharks coach John Plumtree has named a 28-man traveling squad who will make the trip down to Cape Town this weekend ahead of the Neo Africa Tri Series.
Courtesy www.sharksrugby.co.za
The Stormers play Australian Vodacom Super 14 franchise the Western Force tonight in the opening match while The Sharks will take on the Force next Tuesday with the preseason friendlies wrapping up with the Stormers hosting The Sharks next Friday evening.
The series promises to be an exciting one with three good sides looking to iron out areas in their game ahead of the tournament start in just three weeks time, with The Sharks playing host to the Chiefs at The Absa Stadium Durban on Saturday 13 February.
Speaking of what he would like to get out of the two matches, Plumtree explained that, “Obviously the contact side of it is important for us, as well as the new rules – the laws that the referees are looking at: tightening up on the breakdown and the scrummaging, it will be good for us to get used to those areas.”
The Sharks coach has picked a strong squad, including Sharks and Springbok skipper John Smit, while there are no glaring omissions aside from Ruan Pienaar who is still undergoing rehab.
Forwards:
Willem Alberts, Jacques Botes, Craig Burden, Patric Cilliers, Keegan Daniel, Jean Deysel, Bismarck du Plessis, Jannie du Plessis, Alistair Hargreaves, Ryan Kankowski, Gerhard Mostert, Tendai Mtawarira, Johann Muller, John Smit and Steven Sykes.
Backs:
Monty Dumond, Adrian Jacobs, Rory Kockott, Patrick Lambie, Charl McLeod, Waylon Murray, Lwazi Mvovo, Odwa Ndungane, JP Pietersen, Andries Strauss, Riaan Swanepoel, Stefan Terblanche and Luzuko Vulindlu.
Fixtures:
23 Jan: 5pm Vodacom Stormers vs Western Force
26 Jan: 7pm The Sharks vs Western Force
29 Jan: 7pm Vodacom Stormers vs The Sharks
@30 grootbloudrol… 😉
I think Jantjies is really under rated. He was one of the stand out for the Stormers last year, and he does a lot more than those up and unders. He definitely have strengths that Peterson does not have, and vice-versa. Personally, I think Jantjies is at least better than that dude from the Bulls.
IF Peterson is on fullback I would also pick Engelbrecht on wing. In fact, the only reason I would pick Conrad and Joe instead of Conrad and JJ is that Joe has more experience.
Juan de Jongh is 10 000 times better than Grant, at 13. Not at 12. He does not (yet) have the decision making or distributing abilities needed at 10 or 12. He is a GREAT runner and tackler, yes, but his other skills needs more attention. 12 Needs more creativity on a team level. Juan is a individual creative genius, but cant (yet) ignite a backline.
And also, if you pick Grant, de Jongh and Mossie then we don’t have a solid kicking 10. And besides “Wielie Walie” did not look so bad in those 2 games against the B&I Lions last year…
Its a bit harsh to say Duvenhage is not a poor mans… (insert player name here) when he really only has had one season to play, among 2/3 other scrumhalves. Give him a consistant berth and who knows.
Anyway, in the end I called it like I predicted the Coach and management would pick the team.
Deysel and Alberts together hoohaaaa! they could do some damage and am glad Mvovo is playing, think he could go far if given a chance.
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