 |
| JP Pietersen. Image © sharksrugby.co.za |
Amongst the backs, there is a new-look starting half-back pairing which played together for a few minutes in the closing stages of last week's game against the Crusaders, with Ruan Pienaar shifting to scrumhalf which sees Rory Kockott named on the bench, and Andy Goode playing in the flyhalf position.
Riaan Swanepoel returns to the starting line-up after missing the initial games through a return from injury, and then last week playing off the bench. He will partner Adi Jacobs in the midfield with the back three of JP Pietersen, Odwa Ndungane and Stefan Terblanche remaining unchanged.
The match holds special meaning with JP Pietersen reaching a special milestone when he runs out onto the field, playing in his 50th Vodacom Super 14 match for The Sharks.
Keegan Daniel and Jacques Botes continue their rotation on the flank with the former starting this week and Ryan Kankowski and Willem Alberts completing the loose forward trio.
Steven Sykes and Johann Muller continue a lock relationship that has blossomed over the past few seasons while the front row has Deon Carstens starting his first game after playing off the bench in the last two games and Jannie du Plessis playing on the tighthead side.
Captain John Smit is the hooker in the final change.
The Waratahs come off a tough South African tour to play in their first home game of the season, while The Sharks, stung by disappointment will be looking to a good result.
A big game is expected.
The Sharks
15. Stefan Terblanche
14. Odwa Ndungane
13. Adrian Jacobs
12. Riaan Swanepoel
11. JP Pietersen
10. Andy Goode
9. Ruan Pienaar
8. Ryan Kankowski
7. Willem Alberts
6. Keegan Daniel
5. Johann Muller
4. Steven Sykes
3. Jannie du Plessis
2. John Smit (Capt)
1. Deon Carstens
Replacements
16. Bismarck du Plessis
17. Tendai Mtawarira
18. Wilhelm Steenkamp
19. Jean Deysel
20. Jacques Botes
21. Rory Kockott
22. Waylon Murray
