Exkeo
The Sharks welcome back Beast Mtawarira from injury and JP Pietersen returns to the wing for Saturday’s clash against the Highlanders.
Mtawarira broke his ankle in pre-season but has played for the Sharks XV in the Vodacom Cup in the last fortnight. His scrumming power and physicality in generally play is a boost to the struggling franchise.
Pietersen has been ordinary as a midfielder (Not so)and will benefit from a shift to his preferred position. Paul Jordaan takes his place at outside centre and Louis Ludik moves to fullback.
In the forwards, Marcell Coetzee starts at blindside flank while in the front row Jannie du Plessis is still nursing an injury sustained against the Chiefs a fortnight ago and will undergo a fitness test on Friday to decide whether he starts or plays off the bench.
There is also a comeback for Ryan Kankowski, who will offer the Sharks good thrust off the wood.
Sharks - 15. Louis Ludik, 14. JP Pietersen, 13. Paul Jordaan, 12. Tim Whitehead, 11. Lwazi Mvovo, 10. Patrick Lambie, 9. Charl McLeod, 8. Keegan Daniel (c), 7. Marcell Coetzee, 6. Jacques Botes, 5. Anton Bresler, 4. Steven Sykes, 3. Jannie du Plessis / Wiehahn Herbst, 2. Bismarck du Plessis, 1. Tendai Mtawarira,
Subs: 16. Craig Burden, 17. Wiehahn Herbst / Jannie du Plessis, 18. Pieter-Steph du Toit, 19. Jean Deysel, 20. Ryan Kankowski, 21. Frederic Michalak, 22. Meyer Bosman
Sharks starting to get back to full strength. Interesting to see Paul jordan at 13 he has some gas. Time to give these highlanders a good hiding!!! Cheetahsshould have last week so no mistakes this time round sharkies!
