Putt makes two changes

2005-03-03 16:37

Durban - The Sharks side named to take on the Waratahs in Durban on Saturday shows just two changes with coach Kevin Putt making it a priority to keep continuity in selection.

The match kicks-off at 18:30.

Dean Hall took a knock on the weekend and the management have decided to take no risks with him. This creates a fantastic opportunity for Henno Mentz, who has now recovered from the back injury that he carried in the pre-season, to get back into the fold. The remainder of the backline will stay in tact.

"Henno is at peak physical condition and he is as excited as we are about his involvement this week," said Putt on Thursday.

Warren Britz will be moving back into the openside position. "Warren was in the transition phase of coming back from being ill in the off season and to move him back into the side is not unexpected," added Putt.

As far as injuries in the Sharks camp go, there is a small concern of an ankle injury to Jacques Botes, but this is not something that will be long term and Solly Tyibilika has a pectoral muscle strain and is unable to play a part in this weekend's match.

Adrian Jacobs fully fit

At a tactical level, Putt and his management have made a decision to change the lock forward position. "This is no reflection on the performance of Nico Breedt last weekend," explained Putt.

"In terms of what we require we feel we need tactically to take on the Waratahs, we have selected Charl van Rensburg and I'm sure his experience will come to the fore.

"Both these players will have a significant contribution to make in this match."

Adrian Jacobs has regained his full fitness and will be on the bench and with John Smit's involvement in the Tsunami match it means that Bismarck du Plessis gets his opportunity to step into the Super 12 frame. Jacques Botes will also be on the bench assuming he passes a fitness test.

"The injury and rehabilitation is ongoing with Johann Muller, Tsepo Kokoali and AJ Venter and we look forward to welcoming them back into the system in the next few weeks," said Putt.

On Wednesday afternoon Venter played a chukka (20 minutes) for the Wildebeest versus the Under-21 Elite side and was able to assess his own progression.

Teams:

Brent Russell, Odwa Ndungane, Gcobani Bobo, Trevor Halstead, Henno Mentz, Butch James, Craig Davidson; Jaco Gouws (captain), Braam Immelman, Warren Britz, Albert van den Berg, Charl van Rensburg, Brendon Botha, Skipper Badenhorst, Eduard Coetzee.

Replacements: Bismarck du Plessis, Danie Saayman, Nico Breedt, Jacques Botes, Ruan Pienaar, Adrian Jacobs, Jacques Schutte.

Waratahs: Mat Rogers, Peter Hewat, Morgan Turinui, Shaun Berne, Lote Tuqiri, Lachlan MacKay, Chris Whitaker (captain), David Lyons, Rocky Elsom, Wycliff Palu, Daniel Vickerman, Justin Harrison, Al Baxter, Adam Freier, Matt Dunning.

Replacements: Brendan Cannon, Gareth Hardy, Alex Kanaar, Stephen Hoiles, Chris O'Young, Nathan Grey, Winston Mafi.

- SAPA