Sharks change five for Loftus showdown

The Bulls, fresh from a bye, host the Cell C Sharks at Loftus on Friday evening in a round four Vodacom Super Rugby clash that has huge implications for both sides.

An early bye for the Pretoria side means they will need to play catch-up with the other teams, although, over the course of the tournament, the bye scenario will even matters out. But having suffered an early loss to the Stormers and then following that up with a sound victory over the visiting Rebels, will know that this is a very important fixture on their calendar.

For an undefeated Cell C Sharks side, high on confidence following their win against the Stormers in Cape Town on the weekend, adding a consecutive away win (which would then be their third of their campaign) would add hugely to their momentum and self-belief.

Away wins are priceless and right now, the idiom ‘A rolling stone gathers no moss’ is apt: the Cell C Sharks would love to maintain their winning ways and avoid any hiccups.

According to the official Sharks website Jean-Luc du Preez has not been considered after suffering a minor foot injury against the Stormers, and Director of Rugby Gary Gold has elevated Philip van der Walt to the starting line-up. Du Preez is expected to be available for selection next week.

In other changes, front rowers Lourens Adriaanse and Kyle Cooper get their first starts of the season, as does scrumhalf Michael Claassens, while Lwazi Mvovo comes back into the side.

There is a welcome return for loose-forward Keegan Daniel, and ultimately, Cell C Sharks Director of Rugby Gary Gold has shown faith in his entire squad.

“We have a huge amount of confidence in the guys that have come off the bench and they have made a significant difference to our games at critical stages,” said Gold.

” There were a few sore bodies after the Stormers match and, it made sense for us to make a few changes. These changes are not disruptive, but it does mean that other guys who have put their hands up have an opportunity to start this week, rather than come off the bench.

“Jean-Luc has a minor foot injury, which creates an opportunity for Keegan Daniel to be included on the bench, having recently returned to Durban.”

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The Cell C Sharks

15. Willie Le Roux

14. JP Pietersen

13. Paul Jordaan

12. Andre Esterhuizen

11. Lwazi Mvovo

10. Joe Pietersen

9. Michael Claassens

8. Daniel du Preez

7. Philip van der Walt

6. Marcell Coetzee

5. Stephan Lewies

4. Etienne Oosthuizen

3. Lourens Adriaanse

2. Kyle Cooper

1. Tendai Mtawarira (Captain)

Replacements:

16. Franco Marais

17. Juan Schoeman

18. Coenie Oosthuizen

19. Hyron Andrews

20. Keegan Daniel

21. Cobus Reinach

22. Garth April

23  Odwa Ndungane