Oosthuizen returns for Sharks

Editor

Sharks head coach Robert du Preez has made just one change to his starting line-up for Saturday’s clash with the Stormers in Durban.

That change is in the forwards where Springbok front-row Coenie Oosthuizen returns after being rested for last week’s match in Singapore against the Sunwolves, with Lourens Adriaanse named on the bench.

Lock Etienne Oosthuizen plays in his 50th Super Rugby match for the Sharks while there is a recall for veteran wing Odwa Ndungane to the replacements bench.

The Sharks , who are second in the Africa 2 Conference standings, take on Africa 1 Conference tabletoppers the Stormers, who are virtually guaranteed entry into the knock-out rounds.

The only way the Bulls could deny them would be to win their next four matches, with bonus points, and then watch the Stormers fail in all four of their remaining pool games.

Sharks: 15 Lwazi Mvovo, 14 Kobus van Wyk, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Johan Deysel, 11 Sbu Nkosi, 10 Garth April, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Daniel du Preez, 7 Jean-Luc du Preez, 6 Philip van der Walt (c), 5 Stephan Lewies, 4 Ruan Botha, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 1 Thomas du Toit
Replacements: 16 Franco Marais, 17 Beast Mtawarira, 18 Lourens Adriaanse, 19 Etienne Oosthuizen, 20 Tera Mtembu, 21 Michael Claassens, 22 Benhard Janse van Rensburg, 23 Odwa Ndungane

Date: Saturday, May 27
Venue: Growthpoint Kings Park
Kick-off: 17:15 local (15:15 GMT)
Referee: Marius ven der Westhuizen
Assistant Referees: AJ Jacobs, Archie Sehlako