Curwin Bosch returns from injury for Sharks

Colin Newboult

The Sharks have named just one alteration to their XV for the Super Rugby quarter-final against the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday.

Aphelele Fassi has been ruled out of the match with a rotator cuff sprain on his right shoulder and in his place sees the welcome return of a fit-again Curwin Bosch, who will operate at full-back.

Captain Louis Schreuder, speaking from the team’s base in Coogee in Sydney ahead of a three-hour bus ride to Canberra, insists that the team is focused and ready for the clash against the Brumbies.

Schreuder said: “The game against the Stormers is behind us and our focus is on the Brumbies. Everyone is excited and looking forward to the challenge.

“We haven’t faced them this year, they’re one of the teams we missed, they’re the log leaders in the Australian Conference so they’re not in the quarter-finals by chance.

“They’re a physical, well-organised team with a good set-piece and kicking game so we’re going to have to be well-prepared for that.”

Sharks: 15 Curwin Bosch, 14 Sbu Nkosi, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Louis Schreuder (c), 8 Daniel du Preez, 7 Tyler Paul, 6 Jacques Vermeulen, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 1 Mzamo Majola
Replacements: 16 Cullen Collopy, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Gideon Koegelenberg, 20 Luke Stringer, 21 Cameron Wright, 22 Jeremy Ward, 23 Rhyno Smith

Date: Saturday, June 22
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Kick-off: 20:05 local (11:05 BST, 10:05 GMT)
Referee: Mike Fraser (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Angus Gardner (Australia), Graham Cooper (Australia)
TMO: James Leckie (Australia)