Curwin Bosch and Thomas du Toit will make their return from injury via the bench in the Sharks’ match against the Blues in Durban on Saturday.
Coach Rob du Preez has selected an unchanged starting lineup, with Aphelele Fassi retaining his place at fullback.
The inclusion of Bosch and Du Toit among the substitutes are the only changes to the match 23. They replace Rhyno Smith and Khutha Mchunu respectively.
Following a relatively easy victory against the Sunwolves in round one, Du Preez says they are looking forward to facing a star-studded Blues side.
‘The opposition brings the best out of you, we knew these would be really big games, but we have to change our mindset around this – we can’t be up for a Kiwi game and not get up for an Aussie game.
“We will look to build on what we did last year, but this is a new year, they’re a new team and we expect a good battle out there on Saturday.’
Sharks – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Sbu Nkosi, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 André Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Rob du Preez, 9 Louis Schreuder (c), 8 Dan du Preez, 7 Tyler Paul, 6 Jacques Vermeulen, 5 Ruan Botha, 4 Hyron Andrews, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Akker van Merwe, Tendai Mtawarira.
Subs: 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Gideon Koegelenberg, 20 Phendulani Buthelezi, 21 Cameron Wright, 22 Jeremy Ward, 23 Curwin Bosch.
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
