Jean-Luc du Preez will make his return from injury via the bench in the Sharks’ match against the Jaguares in Durban on Saturday.

Coach Robert du Preez has made three changes to his starting lineup. In accordance with SA Rugby’s Springbok player workload plan, and the stated commitment to rotate players throughout the season, props Beast Mtawarira and Coenie Oosthuizen have been rested for this match.

The duo are replaced by Juan Schoeman and Thomas du Toit respectively, while Philip van der Walt will rotate in for flank Jacques Vermeulen.

Du Preez’s inclusion on the bench will see him receive his first bit of Vodacom Super Rugby action of the season after returning with a groin injury from an off-season stint in England.

Sharks – 15 Curwin Bosch, 14 Lwazi Mvovo, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 André Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Rob du Preez, 9 Louis, Schreuder (c), 8 Dan du Preez, 7 Philip van der Walt, 6 Luke Stringer, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 1 Juan Schoeman.
Subs: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Mzamo Majola, 18 John-Hubert Meyer, 19 JJ van der Mescht, 20 Jean-Luc du Preez, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Kobus van Wyk, 23 Aphelele Fassi.

Vodacom Super Rugby teams (Round 9)

Photo: Lukas Coch/BackpagePix