Sharks ready for forward combat
Weve heard the weather is going to be a bit iffy and we think it will be a physical game up front, Sharks forwards coach John Plumtree said yesterday.
Plumtree and head coach Dick Muir have made two changes to the pack, with BJ Botha replacing Jannie du Plessis at tighthead prop and Steve Sykes coming in for AJ Venter. French pivot Frederic Michalak will start at first five-eighth with Francois Steyn shifting to centre in place of Waylon Murray.
The Hurricanes have made one change, with Tane Tuipoulotu replacing Tamati Ellison at second five-eighth.
While hes worried about the physicality of tomorrows match, Plumtree admitted the Sharks were still tired from the long trip from Durban.
Were a bit slow to get over the trip. We had a day off [on Wednesday] and are feeling a bit fresher now. Hopefully, well have two good trainings before the game.
HOW THEY LINE UP
Hurricanes: Cory Jane, Shannon Paku, Conrad Smith, Tane Tuipulotu, Maa Nonu, Jimmy Gopperth, Piri Weepu, Rodney Sooialo, Chris Masoe, Jerry Collins, Jason Eaton, Craig Clarke, Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore, John Schwalger.
Reserves: Hikawera Elliott, Jacob Ellison, Jeremy Thrush, Thomas Waldrom, Alby Mathewson, Willie Ripia, Hosea Gear.
Sharks: Stefan Terblanche, Odwa Ndungane, Francois Steyn, JP Pietersen, Bradley Barritt, Frederic Michalak, Ruan Pienaar, Ryan Kankowski, Jacques Botes, Keegan Daniel, Johann Muller, Steve Sykes, Tendai Mtawarira, Bismarck du Plessis, BJ Botha.
Reserves: Craig Burden, Jannie du Plessis, Albert van den Berg, AJ Venter, Epi Taione, Rory Kockott, Adrian Jacobs.
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Thursday, April 3rd, 2008 at 5:51 pm under