Beast back for Sharks

Head Coach Robert du Preez has made three changes to the Cell C Sharks team named to play the Jaguares in the round seven Vodacom Super Rugby clash in Durban.

Beast Mtawarira, who was unavailable for selection last week due to the death of his grandmother, makes a welcome return to the starting line-up along with fellow Springbok Stephan Lewies, who replaces Ruan Botha in the number 5 jersey.

Botha joins Thomas du Toit and Philip van der Walt, who is returning from injury, on the bench for this match. Chiliboy Ralepelle, who was a late withdrawal from last week’s team with a quad strain, has also been named on the bench.

Du Preez has always maintained that this competition will require a squad effort and the impetus provided by the bench is going to be very important on Saturday, especially considering the physicality of the match.

Experienced Cell C Sharks scrumhalf Michael Claassens expects a tough battle on Saturday.

“The Jaguares are a tough side to play against. They are a competitive team who are made up of international players and they bring massive physicality to their game.

“Discipline is going to be important. We are still positive after last week’s match and we will be up for this game.”

Commenting on the team’s 2017 campaign, Claassens said, “We’ve come a long way as a team and we are definitely on the right track. Building a team requires time together and consistency.

“We have great respect for our coach and we have all bought into the plan and we all know what we are working towards.”