Sharks go from strength to strength

It has proven an impossible task since the second round of the Currie Cup for anyone to beat the Sharks and the bad news for their rivals is that they will now enter the final stages of the competition with an even stronger side after coach Robert du Preez yesterday brought back most of his returning Springboks for their match against Western Province in Durban tomorrow.

Apart from his sons Jean-Luc and Daniel du Preez, hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle and scrumhalf Louis Schreuder, the coach has also been able to recall outside centre Lukhanyo Am, who would surely also have been a Springbok this year were it not for injury, and impressive wing Kobus van Wyk.

While only Daniel du Preez is in the starting line-up out of that impressive bunch, the rest are on the bench and it is clear the coach is looking to integrate them and get them ready for the semifinal the Sharks will host next week.

Jean-Luc du Preez, who has done much to cement his place in the Springbok squad in recent weeks, will be getting into Currie Cup action for the first time this year, while it may be the last time stalwart wing Odwa Ndungane is seen in the Sharks jersey.

His 249th appearance is going to be his tribute game and few have given such sterling, reliable

service as he has.

It will also be a massive game for Am, as he tries to force his way back into the Springbok mix for the end-of-year tour to Europe.