Bok prop Jannie du Plessis looks likely to hand John Plumtree a real selection headache if he is indeed passed fit ahead of the crunch clash against the Lions this weekend.
The big tighthead, who has been away on Tri-Nations duty with the Boks and then out with a knee problem, is not subject to the same conditioning program that is keeping fellow Springboks, including his brother Bismarck, out of the Currie Cup. Despite having established himself as the first-choice Bok number 3 this year, Jannie does not have a national contract.
Plumtree’s dilemma is a result of the superb showing put in by both of his incumbent props, Pat Cilliers and Eugene van Staden, against a far heavier Free State front row last week. Van Staden, a little-known off-season signing from Griquas via Montpellier, was particularly good and must have come close to being named man of the match. Plumtree is likely to resist the temptation to bring du Plessis straight in at number 3, but rather opt to introduce him off the wood, at the expense of yet another prop who has been most solid all season, young Wiehahn Herbst.
The Sharks starting lineup to face the Lions is unlikely to see many changes to the unit that faced the Cheetahs, with Keegan Daniel probably the only doubt, given that he’s had flu this week. Plumtree may well opt to start Jacques Botes at open side flank this week and introduce Daniel off a bench that is likely to see Gerhard Mostert named alongside du Plessis.
Probable Sharks team:
15 Ludik, 14 Ndungane, 13 Terblanche, 12 Strauss, 11 Mvovo, 10 Lambie, 9 McLeod, 8 Kankowski, 7 Alberts, 6 Botes, 5 Hargreaves, 4 Sykes, 3 van Staden, 2 Burden, 1 Cilliers
16 Cooper, 17 du Plessis, 18 Mostert, 19 Daniel, 20 Kockott, 21 Pretorius, 22 Swanepoel
That’s a good team! I’m always much more at ease when Botes is in the team, we are going to need him at the rucks, especially against Minnie, Whiteley and probably van Heerden.
Its a shame that Herbst drops off, he is an amazing talent. We will see much more of him in the not too distant future.
Apparently Whiteley has a niggle and might not play this weekend.
It’s good if Jannie starts of the bench, with all our props playing good at the same time, it must surely give Plum nightmares.
If Whiteley is injured, van Heerden will surely start the match with Minnie and Josh Strauss (I think that’s his name).
What a pleasant problem
I see Jody Jenneker has been playing for Rovers…
Anyone know what happened to him? Been injured or just been in poor form? He looked like a decent prospect a couple of years ago?
@vanmartin (Comment 4) : Agree what a selection headache Plum must have!
He already has to balance the loose trio more delicately with Keegan in superb shape, now Jannie comes back to upset the apple cart again.
I agree though, bring Jannie off the bench rather.
I think Keegan Daniel is going to start, despite the flu. Jannie might get the start though i doubt it.
I like that Sharks team though. I might have played Swanepoel at inside center and give him a start. Hope he gets a start vs Leopards at least. He’s been good off the bench.
Never quite found out how long Adi’s out for?
@The Sharks Sharkie (Comment 7) : I also think keegs will start. Adi is ready to play but on the Bok conditioning programme
Plum is taking his merry time with the team announcement again