The Sharks have named an unchanged team for Friday’s clash against the Hurricanes in Napier.
After last Saturday’s impressive 60-43 win over the Blues, Sharks coach Robert du Preez has understandably seen no need to tinker with a winning formula, although he acknowledged that the team is set for a far sterner challenge.
‘We know this week will be tougher than last week, the Hurricanes are the No 1 team in New Zealand in my opinion.
‘Our defence is going to have to be out the top drawer. We’ve given away too many soft tries and Saturday showed what a massive effect a yellow card can have on a team, so a massive focus for us will be on discipline.
‘In saying that, we only gave away six penalties, but the card was costly because we gave away three tries in the period. You just can’t lose a player against the New Zealand teams. Defence will win us this game.’
Sharks – 15 Curwin Bosch, 14 Sbu Nkosi, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 André Esterhuizen, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Louis Schreuder, 8 Tera Mtembu, 7 Jean-Luc du Preez, 6 Philip van der Walt, 5 Stephan Lewies, 4 Ruan Botha (c), 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Akker van der Merwe, 1 Beast Mtawarira.
Subs: 16 Franco Marais, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 John-Hubert Meyer, 19 Hyron Andrews, 20 Tyler Paul, 21 Cameron Wright, 22 Marius Louw, 23 Kobus van Wyk.
Photo: Michael Bradley/Getty Images
