Sharks name a strong team as they go into battle with the ever improving Vodacom Bulls in Durban.

Article thanks to Sharksrugby.co.za

The Sharks host the Bulls at Mr Price KINGS PARK this Saturday (7.10pm kick-off) with both sides facing a hostile opponent intent on denying them victory in what is shaping up to be one of the clashes of the weekend.

In changes to the team that played the Brumbies two weeks ago, Keegan Daniel is replaced by Jacques Botes who has been passed fit, the only change to the forward pack. In fact, the only change to the starting line-up in a great boost for continuity.

Gerhard Mostert is back for the team and will play off the bench, taking Anton Bresler’s place while Marcell Coetzee gets the opportunity to earn his second cap for the senior side after coming on against the Brumbies two weeks ago.

Otherwise, coach John Plumtree has largely stuck with the team that scored a five-pointer at home before last week’s bye.

Gaining four points and seeing the Stormers lose to the Chiefs in Hamilton last weekend means the Cape side’s lead over The Sharks has been whittled down to just one point and this week’s crunch match against the Bulls is the perfect opportunity for The Sharks to remain on track to finish top of the South African conference.

Beating the Bulls would also place further breathing space between themselves and the men from Pretoria who are currently seven points adrift. The Bulls come to Durban on a mission, knowing that a loss could well put their season in severe jeopardy as they look to emulate their recent successes in the tournament.

Having enjoyed a bye, The Sharks will arrive for this game fresh and energised, and more than a little motivated, but there is always the danger of a slow-ish start after the break. “This has been addressed and was part of what we have discussed this week,” explained coach John Plumtree.

“It’s going to be absolutely crucial for us to come out and start very well; we didn’t do that against the Hurricanes and it took us about 40 minutes to get into the game.”

“Hopefully that won’t happen this weekend.”

The Sharks

1. Tendai Mtawarira
2. Bismarck du Plessis
3. Jannie du Plessis
4. Steven Sykes
5. Alistair Hargreaves
6. Jacques Botes
7. Jean Deysel
8. Willem Alberts
9. Charl McLeod
10. Patrick Lambie
11. JP Pietersen
12. Meyer Bosman
13. Stefan Terblanche (Captain)
14. Odwa Ndungane
15. Louis Ludik

Replacements
16. Craig Burden
17. Eugene van Staden
18. Gerhard Mostert
19. Marcell Coetzee
20. Conrad Hoffmann
21. Adrian Jacobs
22. Lwazi Mvovo