Sharks desperate to make a U-turn
DU PREEZ, MAPIMPI, WRIGHT BROUGHT IN
Sharks coach Robert du Preez desperately needs a winning result against the Stormers at King’s Park tomorrow, so there was little surprise when he named a team with three changes to the starting XV yesterday.
The coach has turned to his son Daniel to fill the crucial No 8 berth, replacing Tera Mtembu, with Du Preez, to be fair, probably offering more impact in that vital ball-carrying role.
Makazole Mapimpi, after several weeks of unexplained absence from the team (perhaps he needed a break after playing rugby non-stop for a year), has been recalled to the left wing position, with veteran Lwazi Mvovo the scapegoat for the back three’s woes against the Bulls last weekend.
The other change to the starting line-up sees Cameron Wright starting at scrumhalf and Louis Schreuder on the bench, which should perhaps be seen as a rotational switch.
Outside centre Lukhanyo Am spoke yesterday of the team’s desire to supply their home crowd with a much-needed win.
“We’re looking to put a disappointing loss behind us, we tried to be positive this week and focused on what we need to do for this game. Bouncing back, as the team showed after the Australian leg, will be the primary aim, to show what this team is capable of. This game could be our season-changer.
“We’re looking to regain our confidence and consistency in this match. But there are no easy games and we’ll need to bring our A-game on Saturday, especially since it is always special playing at home,” Am said.