Center Heimar Williams and winger SP Marais are the new faces in the Sharks team named to face the Lions on Friday.
The coaching staff have opted not to make widespread changes after Friday’s loss against Griquas, maintaining that there is no reason for panic after a single close loss. The changes that have been made to the 22 are thus injury-enforced.
Unlucky Tim Whitehead saw his comeback last just 60 minutes and faces an as-yet unknown period on the sidelines with an intercostal muscle injury. Williams comes straight into the number 12 jersey to make his first appearance for the Sharks at competitive senior level. Williams has captained the Sharks at under 21 level and also played Vodacom Cup rugby for the Sharks XV. It’s interesting to note that the midfield combination this week is the same one that ran riot against the same opposition in a friendly match during the Super Rugby break, a fact that will not be lost on either of the coaching teams.
Another player who misses out this week is winger Sizo Maseko; the 22-year-old was forced off at half time last week due to a tight hamstring and is taking medical advice to rest the injury this week. SP Marais, who more regularly features at fullback for the Southern Kings in Super Rugby, will make his first appearance for his new team on the right wing. The coaching staff have been impressed with what they’ve seen form Marais since he joined the squad last week.
Keegan Daniel has also failed to recover from his knee injury; he should come back into contention for next week’s trip to Bloemfontein, but for now, two-try hero and veteran Jacques Botes retains the number 8 jersey, as well as the captain’s arm-band.
The Sharks
15. Odwa Ndungane, 14. SP Marais, 13. Louis Ludik, 12. Heimar Williams, 11. Lwazi Mvovo, 10. Butch James, 9. Charl McLeod, 8. Jacques Botes (Captain) , 7. Jean Deysel, 6. Brynard Stander, 5. Marco Wentzel, 4. Edwin Hewitt, 3. Wiehahn Herbst, 2. Kyle Cooper , 1. Dale Chadwick
Replacements
16. Craig Burden, 17. Rayno Gerber, 18. Peet Marais, 19. Tera Mtembu , 20. Cobus Reinach, 21. Fred Zeilinga, 22. Jaco van Tonder
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Nice little bit of consistency in the team.
My biggest concern is that I hope they have been working on the scrum and line-outs this week. Essentially it was our set pieces where we lost it last week.
I would’ve preferred SP @ 15 & Odwa @ 14 but a decent side never-the-less!
hmm, now I have to try dig up Currie Cup stats for Botes 🙂
We need our tight 5 to step up. They need to deliver and take charge if they don’t do that we’ll be in big trouble.
@GreatSharksays (Comment 4) : agree.
This week they’re facing an outfit that has virtually NO Currie Cup experience outside of the hooker. Surely it cannot go so badly two weeks in a row?
Really hope to see the bench used wisely in this match, a LOT of firepower there.
@vanmartin (Comment 6) : I must say, I thought our bench actually did very well for us against Griquas.
Did you see the stats article? Marais and Gerber, in particular, were immense. Peet must be pushing hard for a start.
@robdylan (Comment 7) : I was pretty vocal of my disappointment in Gerber’s acquisition, but I have to take them back and say that what he has added in his single game so far has been excellent.
Nice to have some consistency and am glad some of the younger guys are getting a chance at this level. Lets hope for a better showing (and result).
@robdylan (Comment 7) : I’m actually basing my comment on that exact article as I missed the game
@Butchie34 (Comment 8) : I hate to say it, but based on last week, he looked a damn sight better than Wors…
@robdylan (Comment 5) : I hope over confidance does not spoil your complete friday for you… 😈
@robdylan (Comment 11) : I have to agree. Our scrum needs to get that new call down for the scrum, it seemed as though the Kwas had played with it before and it was our first time at the rodeo.
Unless the Sharks start playing off 10 our forwards are going to be predictable and turnovers aplenty conceded. When you play off 10 or even 12 like the All Blacks it then keeps defenses guessing and freeing up space. This team has the ability but whether they have the mindset im not sure. Lets hope more people get down to watch and support.
The Sharks Backline Coach, Sean Everitt:
“The Lions will want to get onto the winning track, likewise with us as well, they’re a tough team to play against, they contest the breakdown really well and they defend well around the fringes of the rucks. They are physical but they also like to move the ball around, so defensively, we’ll need to hold our width as well as contain them around the edges.”
The Sharks Forwards Coach, Brad Macleod-Henderson:
“Most people would have been pretty impressed with the Lions in their two matches against the Kings, they were almost in the rugby wilderness for the past six months, but when the chance came, they took it. They play a nice brand of rugby, they’re physical upfront and they also look to move the ball around. They’re a quality side.”
@Lassy_lion (Comment 12) : haha mate – after the way the scrums went last time we played you guys, I think you have every reason for confidence. Also, your greenhorn tight 5 did very well against a far more experienced Cheetahs pack.
@robdylan (Comment 17) : I really think if we can give you guys a go in the scrums and the loose we are in with a shot…. This is going to be a good one
@Lassy_lion (Comment 18) : to me, it comes down to which flyhalf gets more usable ball. Both have the ability to dictate a game with the boot, both distribute well.
@robdylan (Comment 19) : I do agree with you and both teams has really exciting backlines…. Do you know what weather conditions we are looking at for the game?
@Lassy_lion (Comment 12) : The bloody Friday kick off has already spoilt it, Oh wait, even worse the 17.00 Friday kick off has duffed it.
@Salmonoid the Subtle (Comment 21) : And all that because of the over rated Springboks…. But I already told my boss I am going to have serious health issues from 4 friday afternoon…. Problem sorted.
I’m sure there are going to be a few people with Health Issues on Friday to come watch the game , lol , but I’m sure our boys will make it well worth while. Go Sharks
@snowflake (Comment 23) : Yes I am sure they will make it well worth the while….. When the Lions sneak it by 3…
why not SP Marais at fullback and Odwa Ndungane on the wing???
@robdylan (Comment 3) : ❓
Depending on who you trust. Botes has either 4 or 6 games to play to become the most capped CC player ever.
Nevermind Odwa at 14 and SP at 15!!!
What about Jaco v Tonder at 14 and SP to warm the bench?!?!
Jaco must be peeved that a king gets preference over a shark.
So new coaches, yet the Sharks still pick players out of position… Nothing has changed, its pretty obvious.