Sharks Super rugby head coach Robert du Preez has included Jean-Luc du Preez on the replacements bench for the team to play the Jaguares at Kings Park on Saturday
Du Preez makes his return from a long-term injury after spending the latter stages of the 2018 season at Sale Sharks on loan where he picked up a groin injury and returned to Durban for recovery.
With Springbok Rugby World Cup workloads in mind and the stated commitment to rotate players during the competition, Beast Mtawarira, Coenie Oosthuizen and Jacques Vermeulen have all been rested for this match.
This means two changes in the front row, with Juan Schoeman and Thomas du Toit packing down in the front row on either side of Kerron van Vuuren who starts his second match for the Sharks.
The other change to the starting line-up sees Philip van der Walt in for Vermeulen at flank with the backline remaining intact from last week.
Makazole Mapimpi, scorer of two tries in last weekend’s exhilarating 42-5 victory over the Lions, says that they’re in for a big clash against a strong side.
“They’re an international team, a good side and we know it’s going to be tough. We need to back up our victory over the Lions with another one this week, especially as we want to have a good record in Durban.
“We’ve spoken about winning our home games, we’ve lost twice at home and it’s important not to lose again, especially after such a good win last week.”
Sharks
15. Curwin Bosch,14. Lwazi Mvovo,13. Lukhanyo Am,12. Andre Esterhuizen,11. Makazole Mapimpi,10. Robert du Preez,9. Louis Schreuder (c),8. Daniel du Preez,7. Philip van der Walt,6. Luke Stringer,5. Hyron Andrews,4. Ruben van Heerden,3. Thomas du Toit,2. Kerron van Vuuren,1. Juan Schoeman
Replacements:16. Fez Mbatha,17. Mzamo Majola,18. John-Hubert Meyer,19. JJ van der Mescht,20. Jean-Luc du Preez,21. Grant Williams,22. Kobus van Wyk,23. Aphelele Fassi