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Sharks change one for semi-final

Thursday 22nd May 2008

Inside track: Steyn comes back into the side at inside centre

Francois Steyn returns to the Sharks starting XV in what is the only change made by Head Coach Dick Muir for Saturday's Super 14 semi-final against the Waratahs.

Steyn missed the 47-25 victory over the Chiefs last week due to a rib injury but has been passed fit to take his place at inside centre for the Sydney clash.

His return means Bradley Barritt drops down to the bench, forcing Andries Strauss out of the squad altogether.

Having lost to the Waratahs in the regular season the Sharks will be looking to turn the tables on their hosts on Saturday.

"The Waratahs were probably the only side that gave us a hiding this year," said Muir.

"They outmuscled us in the breakdown, and showed themselves to be a side who retains the ball well. Our kicking game and the breakdown were two areas we needed to fix against them which we feel we did in the last few games.

"We went there wanting to play a certain way and they beat us that way."

Having served his ban for headbutting, Epi Taione returns to the matchday squad, replacing Keegan Daniel, who has seen his fine early season form slowly fade away.

Sharks: 15 Stefan Terblanche, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Adrian Jacobs, 12 Francois Steyn, 11 JP Pietersen, 10 Ruan Pienaar, 9 Rory Kockott, 8 Ryan Kankowski, 7 AJ Venter , 6 Jacques Botes, 5 Johann Muller (c), 4 Steven Sykes, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements: 16 Craig Burden, 17 Deon Carstens, 18 Albert van den Berg, 19 Jean Deysel, 20 Epi Taione, 21 Bradley Barritt, 22 Waylon Murray.

Date: Saturday 24 May, 2008
Venue: Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
Kick-off: 20:00 (11:00 GMT)
Referee: Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand)
Touch Judges: Lyndon Bray, Kelvin Deaker (New Zealand)
TMO: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)