Blue Bulls a big test of Sharks’ commitment to adventurous play

A SHARKS team rebuilding from Super Rugby have had an ideal start to the Currie Cup in that they have played three teams that had to qualify for the competition, but the Durbanites will have to up their game tomorrow evening when they host heavyweights the Blue Bulls.

The Sharks have been impressive under new coach Robert du Preez and restored captain Keegan Daniel, particularly because of their commitment to an adventurous style of rugby, and Du Preez says his team must have the resolve to stick to their guns tomorrow.

The Sharks have been refreshing in their bonus-point wins over the Pumas in Nelspruit, Griquas at Kings Park and Boland in Wellington.

They have run the ball and scored some brilliant team tries, but will they remain positive against teams such as the Bulls, Free State, the Lions and Western Province? We will see tomorrow evening, but you have to believe the Sharks will remain on course given the side that du Preez has selected.

He once more has the enterprising Inny Radebe at flyhalf. He is a breath of fresh air with his crisp distribution and astute decision-making, and he is partnered at halfback by another willing attacker in Stefan Ungerer.

Interestingly, there is no place in the match 23 for Garth April. Coach Du Preez should be given credit for not being bound in his selections by reputation, and April’s place on the bench is taken by fit-again utility back Rhyno Smith, who can cover flyhalf, fullback and centre.

Back from the Boks is wing Lwazi Mvovo, and he is part of a formidable back three, along with veteran Odwa Ndungane and exciting fullback Curwin Bosch.

In the forwards, Jean-Luc du Preez’s return to health offsets the loss to injury of flanker Tera Mtembu. The good news regarding Mtembu is that his latest knee injury is not as bad as initially anticipated, and he will not require surgery and could be back on the field in about four weeks.

At lock, Ruan Botha will continue in partnership with Etienne Oosthuizen.

Stephan Lewies has a hamstring strain, which allows the talented Botha to have a crack in a big game after he missed most of Super Rugby because of injury.