SA Rugbymag

South African rugby news, fixtures, results, video, interviews, and more. Covering the Springboks, Bulls, Stormers/Western Province, Sharks, Cheetahs, Kings and Lions, as well as schools and club rugby.

Primary Menu Search
  • Home
  • Match Centre
  • British & Irish Lions
  • Videos
  • Supabets
  • You are here: Home ∼ Sharks to unleash big guns

    Sharks to unleash big guns

    Sharks prop Beast Mtawarira Sharks to unleash big guns
    Published on February 7, 2019 | Leave a response

    Sharks coach Robert du Preez says a number of senior players will return to the team for their final warm-up against the Vodacom Bulls in Ballito on Saturday.

    After their Superhero Sunday friendly against the Lions last weekend, the Sharks are likely to name a more experienced starting lineup, including the likes of Ruan Botha and centre André Esterhuizen, who have returned from overseas stints.

    Speaking to the media, Du Preez said his starting lineup is going to look similar to the one that will face the Sunwolves in their opening Vodacom Super Rugby fixture.

    ‘We will have a squad of 30 players for the game against the Bulls. We want to give the guys who are travelling to the Sunwolves the bulk of the game time. Most of those guys, like Rob [du Preez], André, Ruan, Coenie [Oosthuizen] and Beast [Mtawarira], will feature.’

    Du Preez said he did not expect the late return of their players who played overseas during the off-season to disrupt the side that much as they head into their final week of preparations.

    ‘Not really. We can develop the youngsters and that’s what we want to do, especially in these pre-season games. Although the Sunwolves away are going to be tough opposition. I think every team has that problem or that challenge.’

    Du Preez added that he hoped both Thomas du Toit and Makazole Mapimpi would be ready for their season opener after picking up knocks last week. Du Toit was a late withdrawal from the team to face the Lions after injuring his ankle in training, while Mapimpi was substituted during the match after pulling up with a tight hamstring.

    ALSO READ: Sharks Super Rugby preview

    Photo:  Steve Haag/Gallo Images

    Posted in Sharks, Super Rugby, Top headlines Tagged Bulls, Robert du Preez, sharks, Super Rugby

    Post by SA Rugby magazine

    SA Rugby magazine




    ← Previous Next →

    Innovative tournament a must for SA

    The vacuum opened up by the pending cancellation of the Rainbow Cup...

    Value added to Rainbow Cup by PSDT’s imminent return

    From a Bok perspective, the opportunity for Pieter-Steph du Toit to return...

    Playing Bok Selector: A wealth of riches at lock

    With the B&I Lions series fast approaching and key men still injured,...

    Column: JP Pietersen was a modern-day Rolls-Royce

    JP Pietersen retired without much fanfare, but his impact on the game...

    Terblanche column: Looking after the little guys

    SA Rugby needs a new business model to benefit the big franchises...

    Local coaches facing new challenges

    South Africa’s franchise coaches face a player management challenge in a hectic...

    Top six: Best and worst foreign imports

    SARugbymag.co.za identifies six of the best and worst foreign players to play...

    Column: When context is needed

    As highlighted by the Argentina controversy, ‘cancel culture’ needs a spoonful of...

    Dark cloud hangs over WP Rugby

    The problems at Western Province Rugby are layered, and everyone involved needs...

    From the mag: Foreign Favourites

    As Vodacom Super Rugby turned 25 this year, JON CARDINELLI picks an...

    Bulls rookies to watch

    After a massive exodus of players the Vodacom Bulls will be eager...

    Analysis: The new suffocate-and-strangle game

    For the Boks to emerge as World Cup winners, they need to...

    VIEW MORE
    Tweets by VodacomRugga


    COVID-19 Corona Virus
    South African Resource Portal

    ABOUT

    • Contact us
    • Competitions
    • Videos
    • Player Features
    • Subscribe
    • Terms and conditions

    TOURNAMENTS

      • Rugby Championship
      • Super Rugby
      • Currie Cup
      • Varsity Cup
      • Gold Cup
      • Schools
      • Six Nations
      • Champions Cup
      • World Cup

    OPINION

    • Mallett on SuperSport
    • Cardinelli column
    • Lewis column
    • Xabanisa column
    • Borchardt column
    • Superbru

    Primary Menu

    • Home
    • Match Centre
    • British & Irish Lions
    • Videos
    • Supabets