Conrad Hoffmann has recovered from his injury problems sufficiently enough to make his first start for the Cell C Sharks since returning from his stint with the Brumbies in Super Rugby.
Hoffmann has been named at scrumhalf for the Sharks team that will take on the Steval Pumas in an Absa Currie Cup match in Nelspruit on Friday night. It is the first time he gets a feel of the Sharks No9 jersey since serious injury forced him out of the team and out of Sharks rugby two seasons ago.
It is in many senses a comeback not unlike that of Springbok flank Juan Smith for Hoffmann in that his career was effectively considered to be over when he moved home to the Western Cape in 2013, but it was restarted when he took up an offer to join the Brumbies. Hoffmann was recruited by the Sharks when it was learned that stalwart Charl McLeod was heading to France.
With Cobus Reinach away on duty with the Springboks, at least until the end of the Castle Lager Rugby Championship season, this is an opportunity for Hoffmann to enjoy an extended run. After starting off his first class career with Western Province in 2007, Hoffmann has been unable to fulfill his immense early promise due to a run of bad luck with injuries.
S'bura Sithole has been included in the starting team for Mbombela Stadium, which may be an indication the injury that was threatening to keep him from travelling to Nelspruit has reacted well to treatment. Stephan Lewies, the key Sharks lineout forward in Super Rugby but out injured for the first few Sharks Currie Cup games, has been included on the bench.
The new look front row, including England international Matt Stevens, that came together for the first time for the clash with the Cheetahs last week has been kept intact for the Pumas game. In fact, the entire pack has been given a vote of confidence by being kept the same. Hoffmann's selection ahead of Cameron Wright is the only change at the back.
Cell C Sharks team: SP Marais, Odwa Ndungane, S'bura Sithole, Paul Jordaan, Tonderai Chavhanga, Fred Zeilinga, Conrad Hoffmann, Tera Mtembu (captain), Francois Kleinhans, Jacques Botes, Etienne Oosthuizen, JC Astle, Matt Stevens, Kyle Cooper, Dale Chadwick.
Replacements: Franco Marais, Lourens Adriaanse, Stephan Lewies, Johan Meyer, Cameron Wright, Heimar Williams, Lionel Cronje.
