Coetzee returns in only change for Sharks
Updated | By ECR Newswatch
The Springbok flanker, who returned early from their successful Australasian tour with a shoulder problem, replaces veteran Jacques Botes from the team that beat the Blues 29-23 in Albany last Friday.
Loose forward Willem Alberts and centre S'bura Sithole have both recovered sufficiently from hamstring problems to take their places.
"They tweaked a little bit in that game against the Blues," director of rugby Jake White said.
"It's a grade one and with treatment they should be fine," he added.
Utility man Frans Steyn, who has a chronic knee problem, continues at flyhalf where he has been for most of the campaign after injuries to Pat Lambie and Fred Zeilinga.
Along with Coetzee and six others, the trio took part in a Springbok training camp held in Durban earlier in the week, although their participation was limited due to the injury niggles.
"They all seem to be fine, there's no feedback of any niggles or injuries," White said following the Bok camp.
The Sharks will be looking to consolidate their five-point lead at the summit in what is the final game before a month-long international break.
"We're very excited to be back home and back in front of our home supporters," White said.
"The nice thing is that after this week we get a break, so it's all to play for. You can't ask for much more than the fact that we're still top of the table," White concluded.
Cell C Sharks team:
15. SP Marais
14. JP Pietersen
13. S'bura Sithole
12. Paul Jordaan
11. Lwazi Mvovo
10. Frans Steyn
9. Cobus Reinach
8. Willem Alberts
7. Tera Mtembu
6. Marcell Coetzee
5. Stephan Lewies
4. Etienne Oosthuizen
3. Jannie du Plessis
2. Bismarck du Plessis (captain)
1. Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements:
16. Kyle Cooper
17. Dale Chadwick
18. Lourens Adriaanse
19. Ryan Kankowski
20. Keegan Daniel
21. Charl McLeod
22. Tim Swiel
23. Heimar Williams
Click here if you would like to win tickets to the game.
(File Photo:Gallo Images)
Twitter - @ECRSportswave @SportswaveAndre
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