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| Louis Ludik. Image © sharksrugby.co.za |
“We've picked as close to full-strength a side we're able to,” Plumtree explains. “Alistair Hargreaves has trained positively over the last couple of days, as has Louis Ludik.”
The return of Ludik means Monty Dumond slips out of the matchday 22 and the return from the groin injury that kept Hargreaves out last week means The Sharks are well-covered in the second row. Anton Bresler drops out of the team with Skholiwe Ndlovu named in his place on the bench in the final change to the team that beat Griquas last Friday night.
“Selection hasn't been too difficult based on consistency of performance as well as injuries,” adds the coach.
With a seven point buffer on the top of the log, The Sharks have no danger of dropping their position this weekend but Plumtree is adamant that there is no shortage of focus.
“We're taking the competition week by week and there won't be any taking it easy this week. We're playing the Bulls up at Loftus and if we take it easy, we'll get our bums kicked. The boys are ready to go, they've trained well, today especially, and they're really excited about the challenge. There has been enough talk of complacency and we're just looking forward to the weekend.
“If you want to win this trophy, you have to be the best in this competition and that's what we are aiming for.”
The Sharks
15. Louis Ludik
14. Odwa Ndungane
13. Stefan Terblanche (Capt)
12. Andries Strauss
11. Lwazi Mvovo
10. Patrick Lambie
9. Charl McLeod
8. Keegan Daniel
7. Willem Alberts
6. Jacques Botes
5. Alistair Hargreaves
4. Steven Sykes
3. Wiehahn Herbst
2. Bismarck du Plessis
1. Tendai Mtawarira
Replacements
16. Craig Burden
17. Eugene van Staden
18. Michael Rhodes
19. Skholiwe Ndlovu
20. Rory Kockott
21. Andre Pretorius
22.Riaan Swanepoel
