Sharks coach Robert du Preez has opted to maintain the status quo from throughout the season by reinstating his son Robert to the flyhalf berth for Saturday’s Currie Cup semi-final against the Golden Lions.
Du Preez had given Curwin Bosch one game at No 10, last week’s 41-11 win over Griquas in Kimberley, with Robert du Preez at inside centre.
Bosch recovered from a few early errors to steer the Sharks ship with aplomb, while Du Preez also proved to be a good foil at No 12.
But now the hard-running Marius Louw returns at inside centre, with Bosch pushed to fullback once more.
The 21-year-old Bosch, who has two Springbok caps, should revel in the extra space at the back, but his ability to dominate the game at No 10 will be missed.
So, Du Preez’s head-to-head battle with Elton Jantjies will be one of the highlights of the Kings Park clash (2.30pm kickoff), and so too will it be at No 8.
Daniel du Preez is pushing hard for a Bok call-up again, and he will come up against Warren Whiteley, who is over a groin injury.
Scrumhalf Louis Schreuder retains the captaincy as the Sharks skipper for the season, Chiliboy Ralepelle, takes a back seat to Akker van der Merwe.
“It was probably one of the most difficult selection
meetings we’ve had. We just believe that the guys who have done the job for us,
we just want to keep that continuity going,” coach Du Preez said at the team
announcement.
“I’ve always said a good 10 should be able to play at 12 and
vice versa, and it is something we will consider going forward.
“There was a big debate between Coenie and Tom, and we are
just fortunate to have two great tightheads.”
Sharks Team
15 Curwin Bosch 14 Sbu Nkosi 13 Jeremy Ward 12 Marius Louw 11 Lwazi Mvovo 10 Robert du Preez 9 Louis Schreuder (captain) 8 Daniel du Preez 7 Tyler Paul 6 Jacques Vermeulen 5 Hyron Andrews 4 Gideon Koegelenberg 3 Thomas du Toit 2 Akker van der Merwe 1 Juan Schoeman.
Bench:16 Chiliboy Ralepelle 17 Mzamo Majola 18 Coenie Oosthuizen 19 Luke Stringer 20 Jean-Luc du Preez 21 Cameron Wright 22 Leolin Zas 23 Aphelele Fassi.
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