No less than eight changes for Sharks

Sharks coach Robert du Preez has called tomorrow’s match against the Jaguares in Buenos Aires the “decisive” game of the Super Rugby campaign and changed half his team for the ncounter against a team that is unbeaten at home.

Du Preez announced a team yesterday with eight changes to the starting line-up that played in the dismal draw against the Rebels and, exacerbating the sense of an unsettled team being thrown into the battle, came the news that stalwart prop Tendai Mtawarira, who was in the picture to captain the team, had in fact been left at home to rest, having attended the pre-tour press conference the day before departure.

Thomas du Toit replaces him, while Chiliboy Ralepelle (right) and Lourens Adriaanse complete the entirely new front row.

Two of the changes to the backline are enforced, with Jeremy Ward starting at inside centre in place of the suspended Andre Esterhuizen, and Odwa Ndungane back on the wing for the injured Kobus van Wyk.

Du Preez has also changed his scrumhalf, with Michael Claassens coming in for Cobus Reinach.

Flank Tera Mtembu, who has been the captain in the last few games, and lock Etienne Oosthuizen also make way as Jean-Luc du Preez returns from injury, with Philip van der Walt shifting to openside flank and taking the captaincy, and Ruan Botha gets another start.