Sharks change for Rebels clash

CAPE TOWN — Sharks head coach Robert du Preez has made several changes to his match-day squad for their clash with the Rebels in Melbourne tomorrow.

Du Preez has made four alterations to his run-on side and he also tinkered with his replacements bench after last weekend’s defeat to the Brumbies in Canberra.

Most of the changes are in the backline with Sbu Nkosi and Lwazi Mvovo taking over from Kobus van Dyk and Makazole Mapimpi on the wings, while Marius Louw replaces the injured Andre Esterhuizen at inside centre.

Among the forwards, Jean-Luc du Preez returns on the blindside flank in place of Jacques Vermeulen, who switches to the other side of the scrum where he takes over from Wian Vosloo.

On the bench, Garth April comes in as backline cover while Franco Marais and Hyron Andrews take over from Chiliboy Ralepelle and Tyler Paul as replacement hooker and lock, respectively. Kick-off is at 10:45. Meanwhile, Gloucester have confirmed their latest signing, with South African hooker Franco Marais arriving this summer from Super Rugby side the Sharks.

Gloucester have secured the signing of Marais as they add to their front row resources for next season, and he will link up with the club this summer following his commitments in Super Rugby.

Marais links up with the Cherry and Whites after making his breakthrough with the Sharks in Durban, making his debut in 2014.

Described by the franchise as a player “destined for a big career”, Marais was part of the South African U20 squad that won the World Rugby U20 Championship on home soil in 2012, before going on to make his Sharks debut that season in both the Absa Currie Cup and then into Super Rugby. — Sport24.