Sharks make minimal changes
The Sharks team to play the Blues in Auckland shows just two changes to the starting line-up with continuity keeping the side mostly intact.
While coach Robert du Preez cited execution as a problem area against the Rebels last week, he felt that there was no lack of effort from the players and has stuck with the team, making just one change amongst the forwards and one in the backline.
Philip van der Walt, who flew over to replace the injured Wian Vosloo, has come in for the suspended Jacques Vermeulen, while Andre Esterhuizen returns after missing last week’s match, displacing Marius Louw to the bench. Tyler Paul replacing Wian Vosloo amongst the replacements is the final change to the matchday 23.
“We’re fortunate to have a guy like Philip back and ready to play, he brings a lot of experience and leadership,” said coach Robert du Preez.
Although the results haven’t gone our way on tour, the coach explained from the team’s camp in Auckland that there was nothing negative within the team environment to negatively influence them.
“There are no issues in the team, nothing sinister; we’ve lost two games and this happens and it’s not the first time a touring team has lost two games,” he pointed out. “In saying that, it’s obviously very disappointing for us, we’ve worked incredibly hard, the team and the coaches.
“There was no faulting the effort against the Rebels, although the accuracy and the execution was there and it’s something we’ve been working on. The Rebels played good rugby, it must be admitted.
“The boys are very disappointed and frustrated because they know they’re letting the fans and themselves down. But we have to keep on working harder, that starts with us coaches because we’re all in this together.
“We’re not pointing fingers, we have to fix this, together; I know we will.”
Sharks: 15 Curwin Bosch, 14 Sbu Nkosi, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Louis Schreuder, 8 Tera Mtembu, 7 Jean-Luc du Preez, 6 Philip van der Walt, 5 Stephan Lewies, 4 Ruan Botha (c), 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Akker van der Merwe, 1 Tendai Mtawarira
Replacements: 16 Franco Marais, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 John-Hubert Meyer, 19 Hyron Andrews, 20 Tyler Paul, 21 Cameron Wright, 22 Marius Louw, 23 Jacobus van Wyk
Date: Saturday, March 31
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Kick-off: 19:35 local (06:35 GMT)
Referee: Nick Briant (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand), Angus Mabey (New Zealand)
Television match official: Ben Skeen (New Zealand)