Boks add energy to Sharks’ training

Sharks coach Robert du Preez was yesterday able to name 15 Springboks in his 23-man squad for their crunch Super Rugby clash with the Lions in Durban tomorrow and he will be hoping many of them are full of confidence and eagerness after the successful series against England.

This will apply particularly to new Springboks Sbu Nkosi, Andre Esterhuizen, Makazole Mapimpi, Robert du Preez jun, Cameron Wright, Thomas du Toit and Akker van der Merwe.

“It’s been fantastic to have the Boks back, especially after the win. They have a lot of confidence and they’ve brought a fantastic vibe and energy to the camp.

“The boys who did not get significant game time with the Boks are raring to go.

“The Boks, as a whole, have brought back a very high standard to training and our preparation this week has been very good,” Du Preez said.

Thanks to Rassie Erasmus handing out several new Springbok caps in the last month, the Sharks are able to field a completely international backline, while locks Tyler Paul and Ruan Botha and flank Philip van der Walt are the odd ones out in the forward pack.

Du Preez sen has made two changes to the starting line-up that lost in Argentina to the Jaguares before the June international break, with Mapimpi coming in for Lwazi Mvovo on the left wing and Wright starting at scrumhalf in place of Louis Schreuder.

Hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle comes in for Franco Marais and Hyron Andrews was chosen as back-up lock in place of Stephan Lewies.

Sharks

Curwin Bosch, Sbu Nkosi, Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Makazole Mapimpi, Robert du Preez, Cameron Wright, Daniel du Preez, Jean-Luc du Preez, Phillip van der Walt, Ruan Botha (capt), Tyler Paul, Thomas du Toit, Akker van der Merwe, Beast Mtawarira. Bench: Chiliboy Ralepelle, Juan Schoeman, Ross Geldenhuys, Hyron Andrews, Jacques Vermeulen, Louis Schreuder, Marius Louw, Lwazi Mvovo.