Revamped Sharks are on Reds alert

Sharks coach Sean Everitt has fulfilled his admirable intention to give every one of his 27-man touring squad two chances in the matchday squad with his selection for the game against the Reds in Brisbane, but that nicety aside, the visitors are certainly not going to be sugar and spice and all things nice on Saturday.

Everitt yesterday announced five changes to the starting line-up that beat the Rebels last weekend, and one on the bench. Regular captain Lukhanyo Am is back from his rest as per Springbok protocols, replacing Jeremy Ward at outside centre, but this weekend it is star wing Makazole Mapimpi’s turn to take a break. Veteran former Springbok Lwazi Mvovo steps into the No.11 berth.

The other change to the backline sees Louis Schreuder swapping with Sanele Nohamba at scrumhalf, while a new-look loose trio sees the impressive openside James Venter taking a break and being replaced by Dylan Richardson, while Henco Venter comes in for blindside flank Tyler Paul. Significantly, the tight five is unchanged.

“My aim was to give everyone at least two opportunities in the matchday 23 and we’ve done that now. I wanted to build a lot of team spirit on this tour and the boys are playing for each other, the consistent performances show that. It’s very important to have that synergy, that’s what makes good teams, and it was something special to see Makazole give up his hat-trick so Curwin Bosch could have a try in his 50th game.

“But the Reds are a dangerous side with a formidable tight five which has scrummed very well – we saw them give problems to the Lions and last weekend against the Sunwolves,” said Everitt.

Tighthead prop Thomas du Toit put the Sharks’ approach more bluntly.

“The Reds have a very good scrum and we respect that, but we’re certainly not going to back off the challenge. We respect the Reds and we know what they are capable of but we are not going to stand back for anyone,” Du Toit said.