Sharks hope to secure home semi

Ken Borland

Sharks coach Robert du Preez has opted for continuity and has made just one change to his starting XV and one enforced change on the bench for their much-awaited Currie Cup clash with Western Province at Newlands tomorrow.

The match is a repeat of last year’s final played in Durban, and the 2018 season has been good for both teams once again as they are currently both unbeaten after four games and sit at the top of the log.

Loose forward Jacques Vermeulen has proven that he is now back to his hardman best after injury and will start at openside flank in place of Luke Stringer, after coming off the bench last weekend against the Golden Lions.

Wing Sbu Nkosi has meanwhile been recalled to the Springbok squad, and his place on the bench is taken by Leolin Zas, who has the opportunity to play against the province for whom he first made his senior debut.

The continuity can only be an advantage for the Sharks, especially since Western Province coach John Dobson has been forced to make major changes due to the coming and goings of Springbok squad members.

Du Preez is under no illusions as to tomorrow’s top-of-the-log clash being of major importance.

“We need to win this game to secure a home semifinal, which would be fantastic because winning the Currie Cup is what we’re going for, we haven’t done it since 2013.

“We’re going to have to use our possession more cleverly and we’re a good team when we keep to our structures. And we need to put two halves together,” Du Preez said.