Michalak fit for Force

French flyhalf Frederic Michalak has been cleared to play for the Sharks against the Western Force in their Super 14 match in Durban on Friday.

French flyhalf Frederic Michalak has been cleared to play for the Sharks against the Western Force in their Super 14 match in Durban on Friday.

Originally bracketed in with Francois Steyn because of a slight calf injury, sustained at training, the French international has recovered and been cleared to start at No.10 for the Sharks.

His inclusion means that Steyn, who played in the World Cup Final for the Springboks at No.12, will revert back to fullback.

The bench also has a slightly different look to the one named earlier in the week, when there were still doubts over Michalak's fitness.

Coach Dick Muir has named a five forward, two backs split on the bench – with a complete front row on standby, along with Albert van den Berg and Jean Deysel covering lock and loose forward respectively.

Rory Kockott will provide cover at flyhalf and scrumhalf, with versatile Adi Jacobs covering the outside backs.

Sharks – confirmed: 15 Francois Steyn, 14 Henno Mentz, 13 Waylon Murray, 12 Bradley Barritt, 11 JP Pietersen, 10 Frederic Michalak, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Ryan Kankowski, 7 AJ Venter, 6 Jacques Botes, 5 Johann Muller (captain), 4 Johan Ackermann, 3 BJ Botha, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements: 16 Craig Burden, 17 Kees Lensing, 18 Jannie du Plessis, 19 Albert van den Berg, 20 Jean Deysel, 21 Rory Kockott, 22 Adrian Jacobs.

Date: Friday, 15 February
Venue: Absa Stadium, Durban
Kick-off: 19.10 (17.10 GMT)
Referee: Kelvin Deaker (New Zealand)
Touch judges: Chris Pollock (New Zealand), Christie du Preez (South Africa)
Television match official: Michael Cupido (South Africa)
Assessor: Arrie Schoonwinkel (South Africa)