Sharks change six for Griquas clash

Sharks coach Robert du Preez has made six changes to his starting line-up for what will be another tough challenge in a hostile environment when they play Griquas in a Currie Cup match in Kimberley tomorrow evening.

Two changes are in the front row, with Franco Marais starting at hooker in place of Akker van der Merwe and Juan Schoeman wearing the No 1 jersey instead of Thomas du Toit in what Du Preez called “rotational” swops.

Flank Jacques Vermeulen – what a campaign he has had – is being rested, with Tyler Paul moving from lock to blindside flank and Jean Droste coming into the second row.

In the backline, Lukhanyo Am is nursing an ankle niggle and will sit out, with Marius Louw, who has looked threatening in his appearances this season, starting at outside centre, while veteran wing Odwa Ndungane is fit again and will replace Tythan Adams.

Du Preez warned that, given such player depth, he will continue to rotate his players as the Currie Cup enters its last five weekends of round-robin play.

“We’re going to employ the whole squad to keep everyone keen and there’s great competition for places. It’s really important that we manage the guys who aren’t getting game time, that we embrace the whole squad. The younger guys have played a huge role in where we are, as well as the older players, who have given a lot of guidance,” Du Preez said at the team announcement yesterday.

Garth April, Odwa Ndungane, Jeremy Ward, Marius Louw, S’busiso Nkosi, Curwin Bosch, Louis Schreuder, Tera Mtembu, Tyler Paul, Keegan Daniel, Ruan Botha (c), Jean Droste, Ross Geldenhuys, Franco Marais, Juan Schoeman. Bench: Akker van der Merwe, Thomas du Toit, Hyron Andrews, Wian Vosloo, Michael Claassens, Tristan Blewett, Innocent Radebe.