Rugby
Sharks make four changes to face the Cheetahs─── MORGAN PIEK 14:02 Thu, 15 Aug 2024
“The Cheetahs have also been really good the last few games and against Western Province that was a really good win for them. Going to play the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein is always a challenge.”
The Sharks have made four changes to their team for Saturday’s big Currie Cup clash against the Toyota Cheetahs in Bloemfontein, but the Springbok André Esterhuizen will not be playing.
Upfront the Sharks have gone with a new front row with Dian Bleuler, Dan Jooste, and Kabous Bezuidenhout all starting. The trio replaced Abraham Reyneke, Ethan Bester, and Mawande Mdanda in the run-on side.
The Sharks resisted the temptation to field the Springbok André Esterhuizen after his suspension, and the only change to the backline sees Alwayno Visagie replace Jurenzo Julius at inside centre.
The former Cheetahs lock, Reniel Hugo. Photo: Morgan Piek
The Sharks coach, JP Pietersen, told OFM Sport they feel motivated following their win against the Griquas, but they’re braced for a tough outing against the defending champions. “It’s definitely going to be a big challenge for us, but we’ve got some nice momentum in the past three games.
“The Cheetahs have also been really good the last few games and against Western Province that was a really good win for them. Going to play the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein is always a challenge. We know as a group it’s going to be a massive challenge come Saturday.”
Pietersen added that while the big Springbok centre, Esterhuizen, has completed his suspension for the upgraded red card against Portugal in Bloemfontein, he doesn’t have access to the player for the game against the Cheetahs.
“André Esterhuizen is available to play again, but he’s training with John Plumtree in the URC team, so unfortunately, I don’t have access to him for this weekend’s match.”
Saturday’s game at the Toyota Stadium kicks off at 17:15.
Cheetahs – TBA
Sharks – 15 Hakeem Kunene, 14 Eduan Keyter, 13 Litelihle Bester, 12 Alwayno Visagie, 11 Yaw Penxe, 10 Lionel Cronjé, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Nick Hatton (captain), 7 Jannes Potgieter, 6 Tino Mavesere, 5 Reniel Hugo, 4 Bathobele Hlekani, 3 Kabous Bezuidenhout, 2 Dan Jooste, 1 Dian Bleuler
Replacements – 16 Bryce Calvert, 17 Braam Reyneke, 18 Mawande Mdanda, 19 Coetzee le Roux, 20 Hennie Sieberhagen, 21 Siya Ningiza, 22 Bradley Davids, 23 Tiaan Swanepoel
OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mc/mvh
