Sharks Super rugby head coach Robert du Preez has made two changes to his team to play the Brumbies in their Super Rugby quarter-final in Canberra on Saturday.
The Sharks will be without Aphelele Fassi after he was ruled out with a rotator cuff sprain on his right shoulder and in his place sees the welcome return of a fit again Curwin Bosch who will play at fullback.
Juan Schoeman was not considered for selection last week due to a bout of flu and returns to the bench as loose-head cover.
Sharks captain Louis Schreuder, speaking from the team’s base in Coogee in Sydney ahead of a three-hour bus ride to Canberra, said that the team is focused and ready for the clash against the Brumbies.
“The game against the Stormers is behind us and our focus is on the Brumbies. Everyone is excited and looking forward to the challenge.”
“We haven’t faced them this year, they’re one of the teams we missed, they’re the log leaders in the Australian Conference so they’re not in the quarter-finals by chance,” he pointed out.
“They’re a physical, well-organised team with a good set-piece and kicking game so we’re going to have to be well-prepared for that.”
Sharks
15. Curwin Bosch 14. Sbu Nkosi 13. Lukhanyo Am 12. Andre Esterhuizen 11. Makazole Mapimpi 10. Robert du Preez 9. Louis Schreuder (c) 8. Daniel du Preez 7. Tyler Paul 6. Jacques Vermeulen 5. Hyron Andrews 4. Ruben van Heerden 3. Coenie Oosthuizen 2. Kerron van Vuuren 1. Mzamo Majola
Replacements 16. Cullen Collopy 17. Juan Schoeman 18. Thomas du Toit 19. Gideon Koegelenberg 20. Luke Stringer 21. Cameron Wright 22. Jeremy Ward 23. Rhyno Smith