Sharks XV make wholesale changes for Griquas clash after All Blacks workload

The Sharks XV have made sweeping changes to their starting line-up for Friday’s Currie Cup meeting with the Griquas at Suzuki Stadium in Kimberley, following a demanding period that included Tuesday evening’s clash with the All Blacks.

The fixture will be the Sharks XV’s fourth and final away match of the current stretch, as head coach Mike Vowles manages the workload of players who have featured in both provincial and international rugby.

The Sharks XV were also involved in the Currie Cup victory over the Boland Kavaliers, while a number of their players were part of the New Zealand national side for Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry against the All Blacks. With further matches scheduled for Saturday and the All Blacks playing again on Tuesday evening, Vowles has had to balance selection with recovery.

“We’re back on the road on Friday afternoon, so it’s a quick turnaround for us and there are a lot of moving parts for us this week, so we’ll prepare well, ice a few sore bodies and go to Kimberley fully prepared to fight for the full 80,” Vowles explained.

The coach has consequently changed his team across the field, with the demands placed on his squad over the past two weeks a particular consideration.

Ross Braude will captain the side from scrum-half, with Tim Swiel selected at fly-half. The back three comprises Luan Giliomee at full-back, Christie Grobbelaar on the right wing and Khuthi Rasivhaga on the left, while Lyle Matthews and Albie Bester form the midfield pairing.

Hanu Pieterse starts at number eight, supported in the back row by Wasi Vyambwera and Tino Mavesere. Meno Barnard and Johan Momsen are the locks, while Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Liam van Wyk and Jaco du Toit make up the front row.

The Sharks XV starting line-up is:

15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Christie Grobbelaar, 13 Lyle Matthews, 12 Albie Bester, 11 Khuthi Rasivhaga, 10 Tim Swiel, 9 Ross Braude (captain), 8 Hanu Pieterse, 7 Wasi Vyambwera, 6 Tino Mavesere, 5 Meno Barnard, 4 Johan Momsen, 3 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 2 Liam van Wyk, 1 Jaco du Toit.

The replacements are Jacques Marais, Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka, Simphiwe Ngobese, Danio Botha, Sphephelo Mbonambi, Juan Loots, Janco Purchase and Chijindu Okonta.

Vowles’ side will now travel to Kimberley seeking to cope with the short turnaround and complete their fourth away assignment with a full 80-minute performance against the Griquas.