Bosch back at flyhalf for Sharks

Curwin Bosch will start at flyhalf as one of five changes to the Sharks' run-on XV for Saturday's clash against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

Following his team's struggles against the Kings at home in Durban last weekend, Sharks coach Rob du Preez has tweaked his backline, with Frenchman Clement Poitrenaud slotting in at No 15 and Bosch shifting to flyhalf in place of Benhard Janse van Rensburg.

Lwazi Mvovo returns to the left wing, with Odwa Ndungane dropping out of the match-day squad.

In the pack, Etienne Oosthuizen replaces Stephan Lewies in the second row. Du Preez also altered his front row, with props Coenie Oosthuizen and Tendai Mtawarira starting in place of Lourens Adriaanse and Thomas du Toit.

'We were disappointed with our performance last week, especially since we let down 19,000 fans who came through to support us, and we owe them and the rest of our fans a more credible performance this Saturday,' said Du Preez.

'The Cheetahs are always a tough prospect in Bloemfontein and we know what we are up against, but in saying that we also know what we are capable of as a team, and our focus will be on sticking to our structures, our execution and finishing our opportunities.'

Sharks – 15 Clement Poitrenaud, 14 Kobus van Wyk, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 André Esterhuizen, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Tera Mtembu (c), 7 Jean-Luc du Preez, 6 Jacques Vermeulen, 5 Ruan Botha, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Subs: 16 Stephan Coetzee, 17 Thomas du Toit, 18 Lourens Adriaanse, 19 Stephan Lewies, 20 Daniel du Preez, 21 Michael Claassens, 22 Jeremy Ward, 23 Garth April.

Super Rugby teams (Round 5)

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images

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Mariette Adams