Sharks, Bulls forced to make changes for vital clash
THE Sharks, and the Bulls for that matter, have had to make a number of changes for their upcoming clash at Kings Park tomorrow (7pm). Four weeks away from Super Rugby has not been a break at all for some players and a few of the Sharks’ Boks are nursing injuries.
This is still a vital clash for the home team who, although already assured of play off rugby, have a small chance of affecting their outcome in the quarter-finals.
As it stands, the Sharks will be heading to Christchurch to play the unbeaten Crusaders, but should they do enough in their final two games to push into seventh, they could well rather face a trip to Johannesburg instead.
The Sharks are without Beast Mtawarira who has a neck complaint from his Bok duty, as well as Jean-Luc du Preez who is nursing a minor groin problem. Lwazi Mvovo picked up a small niggle for the SA “A” side, but all three of these players, as well as Kobus van Wyk and Lukhanyo Am, are expected back for the Lions in the last group stage game.
Those who won’t be playing any further role in the campaign include Rhyno Smith and Inny Radebe, as well as Johan Deysel who fractured his arm playing for Namibia in the international break.
The Bulls are also a little battle beaten with Handre Pollard again out of action with injury after he was set to return via the SA “A” side.
Their cover at wing is also thin as Jamba Ulengo (knee), Travis Ismaiel (knee), Sibahle Manxwane (concussion) and Jade Stighling (broken jaw) are all out of action.
Throw in Hanro Liebenberg (ankle), Hendre Stassen (knee), prop Martin Dreyer (ankle), scrumhalf Piet van Zyl (lung infection), Edgar Marutlulle (ankle) and utility back Ulrich Beyers (calf) on the injury list and it becomes clear both teams are testing their depth.
It is something, however, that Sharks coach Robert du Preez is not afraid of, having handed opportunities to many players to shine this year, and seeing them supernova. Sbu Nkosi and Jeremy Ward have been two such examples.
“This game is really important,” Du Preez stressed. “Especially in regaining that momentum.
“We have the Bulls, then a bye, and then the Lions. So it is important these guys we have brought in do well for us. It is a great opportunity for all of them, as it is a test of the depth of our squad, which I have always been happy with.”
Even with a squad made up of new faces, and new combinations, coming off a big break, the Sharks are not looking for anything less than a good, momentum building, win.
“The win is really important,” Du Preez made clear. “That builds confidence for the remainder of the season, so the win is everything.
“Then, with that, is to get the momentum going to take it to the Lions. It is one game at a time, so that is why winning each match is so important.”
Winning will be the only way that the Sharks can actively push for a chance of getting a draw that does not see the travel to New Zealand to play the top ranked team – but, things can still go either way and the Lions may well end up the top ranked side.
“It is possible to get a better draw in the knockouts, there are so many permutations. But at this stage, the most likely prospect is we are travelling to New Zealand, but you never know, the Lions may end up top of the log, but it will come down to the last game.”