Burden for Bismarck
Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:25
The Sharks' chances of beating the Crusaders in a must-win Super 14 encounter in Christchurch on Friday have been dealt a serious blow with the news that Bismarck du Plessis has been ruled out.
Du Plessis has been unable to shake off a sternum injury, which means Craig Burden with will wear the No.2 jersey.
In a rotational switch BJ Botha comes in for Jannie du Plessis at prop.
As expected Ruan Pienaar will play at flyhalf in the place of Frederic Michalak, who is out for the season.
In more injuries problems for the Sharks, skipper Johann Muller has been bracketed with AJ Venter at No.5. If Muller is ruled out, AJ Venter will play at lock, with Jean Deysel on the flank.
If Muller is declared fit, Venter will pack down on the side of the scrum with Deysel moving down to the bench.
Brad Barritt is still suffering from a shoulder injury which means that Francois Steyn and Waylon Murray will play their second consecutive game in the midfield.
Sharks: 15 Stefan Terblanche, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Waylon Murray, 12 Francois Steyn, 11 JP Pietersen, 10 Ruan Pienaar, 9 Rory Kockott, 8 Ryan Kankowski, 7 AJ Venter / Jean Deysel, 6 Jacques Botes, 5 Johann Muller (captain)/AJ Venter, 4 Albert van den Burg , 3 BJ Botha, 2 Craig Burden, 1 Beast Mtawarira.
Replacements: 16 Skipper Badenhorst, 17 Jannie du Plessis, 18 Jean Deysel /Alistair Hargreaves, 19 Keegan Daniel, 20 Andries Strauss, 21 Henno Mentz, 22 Adrian Jacobs.
Date: Friday, May 2
Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
Referee: Stuart Dickinson (Australia)
Touch judges: Brett Bowden (Australia), Josh Noonan (New Zealand)
Television match official: Kane McBride (New Zealand)
Touch judges: Kim Eichmann (New Zealand)
