Sharks power up for Pumas clash
With last week's overlapping matches in the two competitions, the players involved in Super Rugby action were unavailable for Currie Cup duty.
That changes this week and the side named for Saturday's Currie Cup clash with the Pumas at Kings Park reflects a number of changes.
Eight of last week's Super Rugby starters continue this week, with prop Ross Geldenhuys, locks Hyron Andrews and Ruan Botha (who takes over as captain), loose forward Keegan Daniel, scrumhalf Michael Claassens, centre Jeremy Ward and fullback Garth April joining them in the starting line-up.
Replacement hooker Franco Marais admits that this week is all about the winning trail and being in the right mental space.
"We regrouped and got the mindset right again," said Marais. "We're keen to get stuck into the Currie Cup.
"We ended in fifth place last year, we have to fix that, no excuses. But we’re eager to go and get this campaign going."
Sharks: 15 Garth April, 14 Jacobus van Wyk, 13 Jeremy Ward, 12 Lukhanyo Am, 11 Sibusiso Nkosi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Michael Claassens, 8 Daniel du Preez, 7 Jean-Luc du Preez, 6 Keegan Daniel, 5 Ruan Botha (captain), 4 Hyron Andrews, 3 Ross Geldenhuys, 2 Mahlatse Ralepelle, 1 Thomas du Toit.
Replacements: 16 Franco Marais, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 Tyler Paul, 19 Lubabalo Mtembu, 20 Jacques Vermeulen, 21 Cameron Wright, 22 Inny Radebe.
Date: Saturday, July 29
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 17.00 (15.00 GMT)
Referee: Quinton Immelman
Assistant referees: Archie, Sehlako, Aimee Barrett-Theron
TMO: Johan Greeff
@TheSharksZA
