While a number of definite starters have been left out of the pack for tonight’s Sharks trial match, the composition of the “probables” backline should be pretty close to the same unit that will line up against the Bulls in three weeks time – unless, that is, a stand out performance or two from within the “possibles” forces the coach’s hand.
Details as to the exact line ups are sketchy for the moment, but we do know that none of Beast Mtawarira, Bismarck du Plessis, Jannie du Plessis, Willem Alberts, Jean Deysel, Julian Redelinghuys or Marcell Coetzee will play tonight, leaving the two forward packs relatively evenly matched. A number of under 21 and Vodacom Cup players will be given the opportunity to show what they can do and with a number of early season injuries taking their toll, there’s every chance that a place or two in the 28-man squad for the Boland game next weekend could be up for grabs.
Expect the “probables” pack to feature Dale Chadwick, Craig Burden and Wiehahn Herbst in the front row, with Steven Sykes and Ross Skeate behind them. Keegan Daniel and Ryan Kankowski should be at 6 and 8 respectively, with Tera Mthembu a somewhat surprising inclusion on the blind side flank. Players who will feature for the possibles include props Danie Mienie and Nic Schonert, hooker Monde Hadebe, locks Anton Bresler, Alistair Hargreaves and Jandre Marais and loose forwards Jacques Botes, Francois Kleinhans, Brynard Stander and Chris Cloete. Allan Dell, Nicloaas van Dyk, Franco Marais, Peet Marais and Pieter-Steph du Toit may also get an opportunity as substitutes during the course of the evening.
The probables backline will most likely feature Charl McLeod, Pat Lambie, Lwazi Mvovo, Meyer Bosman, JP Pietersen (at 13), Odwa Ndungane and Riaan Viljoen and they should come up against a youthful, but exciting combination featuring Cobus Reinach, Fred Michalak, Louis Ludik, Paul Jordaan, Tim Whitehead, Sbura Sithole and Gouws Prinsloo. There will again be a raft of backline substitutes including a number of promising Vodacom Cup squad members… and Marius Joubert.
We’re not expecting an official team announcement to be made, so those of you can, get down to the Shark Tank in time for the 6pm kick-off tonight to see for yourselves exactly how the teams line up.
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so, JP at 13 coming up against Tim Whitehead.
That could definitely settle some arguments 🙂
In fact, Jordaan against Bosman will also be very interesting. I’m actually really pleased with the backline lineups… a lot of mouth-watering head-to-head battles there.
Just really hoping that it will be an even contest up front
Those who are going, please provide updates. Would appreciate a focus on both sets of centers.
@robdylan (Comment 1) : “… and Marius Joubert.”
Wish these trial games were televised!! It would provide us with weeks worth of fodder here on SharksWorld if we could watch them.
@robdylan (Comment 1) :
@King Shark (Comment 2) :
Agree on both counts.
The centre match-ups are especially exciting, so the commentary will be very appreciated.
@King Shark (Comment 2) :
I am definitely going but will only be able to give an update afterwards.
Should be a very interesting trial, centres, locks and front row will have my immediate focus.
Hope Jordaan runs circles around Bosman, won’t be very difficult to do.
Really hope Whitehead and Jordaan have great games. Need a proper 12, Happy but not convinced about JP at 13.
Go Jordaan and Whitehead!! Make a mockery of that Bossie’s defence because everyone else will in the S15.
Hope Wors have a good game. I’m still suspect over Chadwick.
Locks will be interesting, do not rate Skeate or Hargreaves. Hope a youngster put up his hand big time.
@John Galt (Comment 5) : well be waiting 😉
Dammnit! Wish I was still living in Durbs!! 🙁
I will be at the game as well..
Should be good fun.
Will try put together a nice report and get it up tomorrow sometime..
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 9) : howzit, Rich, good with the new job?
@Franshark (Comment 10) :
Working hard hey.. and limited SW time.. but good yes..
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 11) : cool, work always interfere with our social lives 🙂
I’m not setting my quality hopes very high. This will be the friendliest of friendlies. I expect this to be nothing more that an attempt to gain a bit of match fitness while avoiding injury. Also live scrumming vs having to pack down against the machine will also be beneficial to the forwards. Overall I therefore think that anyone attending shouldn’t place too much emphasis on missed tackles at this stage.
I wish I could be there!! Should be very interesting!
@vanmartin (Comment 3) :
i think not knowing gives us even more 😛
GO SHARKS GO
maybe an even team, but still got hopes a win we will get.
And its good to let the Youngsters get play time with the snr guys we need to see what they can do, we need to bluid for the future with our own and not this buying or borrowing think that we seem to do in the past.
Go Plumtree don’t let us down a new year and a nearlly new team got hopes we need to get that SR Trophey
@Zibbie (Comment 15) :
more of what my friend 🙂 Hope
Here`s hoping Jordaan and Whitehead have the game of their lives tonight.
@chaz (Comment 17) : no fodder heheh . speculations causes more fodder then knowing 😛
@Zibbie (Comment 19) :
True true,
hey Zibbie sorry can’t join your pool i’m full up 🙁 but there might be one i will let go 😳 can you send me your invite again please
At least one thing is certain tonight, the Sharks will win… 😉
@chaz (Comment 17) : Chaz…you in love with this
smiley?
@Original Pierre (Comment 18) : Doubt even that would change Plum’s thinking. I’m in agreement with Beet, think Plum knows who will be in his starting XV and this is just to build up some match fitness and combinations
@chaz (Comment 20) :
Sure thing
@Franshark (Comment 21) :
and you guys say the stormers are hard up on winning trophies 😛
@Zibbie (Comment 24) :
wish this bloody game would just start now!
@robdylan (Comment 1) : Reinach v McLeod is the one I’d love to see.
@Zibbie (Comment 24) : We haven’t had a trophy made for this match.
@KSA Shark © (Comment 27) : ok, so I had a few positions wrong… check the match thread that just went up for the actual teams