DURBAN – Sharks coach Robert du Preez has called on his players to execute well in Saturday’s Currie Cup semifinal against the Blue Bulls at Kings Park (2.30pm kickoff).
The Sharks lost their way last week when they went down to Western Province in Durban, but Du Preez feels that result is irrelevant.
“This is finals rugby and whatever has transpired previously is irrelevant in this match. It’s going to come down to our execution, discipline, but most of all, it is about who wants it the most.
“We called for greater intensity this week and our players have heeded that call.
“There is no greater motivation to perform than when you are playing knock-out rugby in front of our passionate home crowd.
Sharks coach Robert du Preez expects a better performance from his team on Saturday. Photo: Sameena Allie/ANA
“We want to show what our jersey means to us and make our fans proud.”
Du Preez has kept changes to a minimum, with the Du Preez twins Jean-Luc and Dan reunited in the loose trio, while Louis Schreuder comes in for Michael Claassens at scrumhalf.
Kobus van Wyk is also back at wing in place of Odwa Ndungane.
Sharks Team
15 Garth April, 14 Kobus van Wyk, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Sbu Nkosi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Louis Schreuder, 8 Dan du Preez, 7 Jean-Luc du Preez, 6 Keegan Daniel, 5 Ruan Botha (captain), 4 Tyler Paul, 3 Ross Geldenhuys, 2 Franco Marais, 1 Thomas du Toit.
Bench:16 Akker van der Merwe, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 John-Hubert Meyer, 19 Jean Droste, 20 Jacques Vermeulen, 21 Michael Claassens, 22 Tristan Blewett, 23 Odwa Ndungane.