Michael Horak has made six changes (two positional) to his Sharks under 21 pack ahead of Friday’s match against the Blue Bulls at Loftus.
Rotational changes in the front row see Junior Springbok props Thomas du Toit and Mzamo Majola replace Ruan Kramer and Barend Potgieter respectively in the starting team. Minor injuries to two other players have prompted something of a reshuffle – last week’s captain Chris de Beer, who picked up a hand injury against Western Province, drops out, making space for Andrew du Plessis to start at hooker.
Also unavailable this week is lock Jean Droste; Johan du Toit switches from blindside flank to lock, partnering Hyron Andrews (who moves from 4 to 5). Daniel du Preez moves up from the bench to start in the number 7 jersey, where he partners Graham Geldenhuys and Ayron Schramm in a strong loose trio.
Nkululeko Marwana will captain the side from outside centre this week; another Glenwood old boy, hooker Kerron van Vuuren, comes into the match 22 for his first taste of rugby at this level. Van Vuuren played Craven Week rugby for KZN back in 2013. Also on the bench is Wian Vosloo, a utility forward who played under 19 rugby for the Sharks last year.
Sharks under 21:
15 Kelvin Elder, 14 Nkululeko Mcuma, 13 Nkululeko Marwana (capt), 12 Sandile Kubeka, 11 Marcel Coetzee, 10 Riaan O’Neill, 9 Rowan Gouws, 8 Ayron Schramm, 7 Daniel du Preez, 6 Graham Geldenhuys, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Johan du Toit, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Andrew du Plessis, 1 Mzamo Majola.
Replacements: 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Barend Potgieter, 18 Ruan Kramer, 19 Wian Vosloo, 20 Retief Marais, 21 Lotter Pretorius, 22 Sipho Mkhize
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Good luck boys…have another good game!
Kom manne trap daai blou nulle.
good to see Thomas playing at 3 for the youngsters!!!!!!!!!
I hope Johan du Toit does well at lock… 🙂
Ooohh, the boys just lost 24-23 last night! Still, a win against WP and a 1-point loss to the Bulls away is a good start. Looks promising for the u21s this year!