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21 July 2010 (09:56) - John Plumtree has been true to his word and has stuck largely with the team that performed with distinction against the Blue Bulls last week for Friday night's Absa Currie Cup showdown with the Pumas.

With seven points from their first two outings and second on the log, The Sharks go into this match knowing that a full house of log points is a must against what will be a competitive visiting team intent on following the lead of Griquas.

There are no changes to the starting line-up with the 15 players rewarded for last week's effort while Willem Alberts (pictured) makes his much-anticipated return after overcoming an ankle injury sustained in the Vodacom Super 14 earlier this year. Shkoliwe Ndlovu makes way for Alberts on the bench in the only change to the match day 22. Stefan Terblanche continues to lead the side in what will be his 100th Absa Currie Cup match, 25 of those in the colours of Boland.

“We want to build on what we've achieved,” explains The Sharks coach. “Against this Pumas side, we will get opportunities to play but it's how we hold on to the ball, create opportunities and then finish them off. We know they're good enough to score against us, but I want the boys to defend well and that's mostly about attitude. If we concede a lot of tries, we won't have succeeded in what we set out to do.

“I'm pleased that a lot of stuff we worked on in preseason came together against the Blue Bulls, but the challenge for us is to grow our game and the challenge for the players is to get up this week after beating the Bulls.”

He points out that the Pumas players are big and physical and a team capable of scoring tries. “They have got some speed, their backs run nicely onto the ball, their pack looks well-organised and they look well-drilled.

“I want us to play some great rugby on Friday night and the team selection is really a case of rewarding the group for what they did last weekend.”

The match is not being televised and after last week's outstanding result against the Blue Bulls, fans are encouraged to get down to The Absa Stadium Durban to witness what should be another exciting game. The match kicks off at 7pm with The Sharks Under 19s in action against the Griffons Under 19s at 5pm. Tickets are R40 in the stands and R20 in the Scholar benches.

The Sharks

15. Louis Ludik
14. JP Pietersen
13. Stefan Terblanche (Capt)
12. Patrick Lambie
11. Lwazi Mvovo
10. Steve Meyer
9. Charl McLeod
8. Keegan Daniel
7. Michael Rhodes
6. Jacques Botes
5. Alistair Hargreaves
4. Steven Sykes
3. Wiehahn Herbst
2. Craig Burden
1. Patric Cilliers

Replacements
16. Kyle Cooper
17. Eugene van Staden
18. Ross Skeate
19. Willem Alberts
20. Rory Kockott
21. Monty Dumond
22. Andries Strauss