13/02/2008 12:18

Durban - Dick Muir's Sharks team named to play the Western Force in Durban on Friday evening shows few surprises as they look to get the season off to a good start.

After two preseason warm-up games, the last a week ago against the Lions, Muir has pretty much got an idea of the depth of his squad, and the line-up for Friday 19:10 Super 14 match has a familiar feel about it.

According to Michael Marnewick, writing on the Sharks website, there is unfortunately an injury cloud hanging over Frederic Michalak, and he has been bracketed with Francois Steyn at flyhalf. Should his calf muscle niggle not recover, Steyn will take his place, and Stefan Terblanche will then play at fullback.

On the bench, one of Jean Deysel or Albert van den Berg will wear the number 19 jersey depending on the formers recovery - also from a minor niggle.

In the front row of Beast Mtawarira, Bismarck du Plessis and BJ Botha will provide both stability as well as an exciting element in open play. Johann Muller will lead the side, with Johan Ackermann partnering him at lock. As expected, the loose forward trio is made up of Jacques Botes, AJ Venter and Ryan Kankowski.

Ruan Pienaar and Frederic Michalak are the anticipated halfback pairing with JP Pietersen and Henno Mentz on the wings, Bradley Barritt and Waylon Murray partnering in the midfield and Francois Steyn wearing the fullback jersey.

Sharks:

15-Francois Steyn/Stefan Terblanche, 14-Henno Mentz, 13-Waylon Murray, 12-Bradley Barritt, 11-JP Pietersen, 10-Frederic Michalak/Francois Steyn, 9-Ruan Pienaar, 8-Ryan Kankowski, 7-AJ Venter, 6-Jacques Botes, 5-Johann Muller (captain), 4-Johan Ackermann, 3-BJ Botha, 2-Bismarck du Plessis, 1-Tendai Mtawarira.

Replacements: 16-Craig Burden, 17-Kees Lensing, 18-Jannie du Plessis, 19-Jean Deysel/Albert van den Berg, 20-Rory Kockott, 21-Adrian Jacobs, 22-Stefan Terblanche/AN Other.

Referee: Kelvin Deaker (New Zealand)