Lambie to skipper full strength Sharks in Argentina
Cell C Sharks director of rugby Gary Gold has named a full strength side in anticipation for a massive clash with the Jaguares in Argentina this weekend.
Springbok flyhalf Pat Lambie is back in the starting XV after his first appearance of the season from the bench against the Hurricanes last weekend. Gold has also reinstated Lambie as captain of the side.
Odwa Ndungane is the only other change in the backline, replacing Lwazi Mvovo on the right wing.
Meanwhile Jean Deysel also earns his first start of the season, replacing Jean-Luc du Preez at blindside flank. Etienne Oosthuizen gets a rest this weekend and will feature off the bench – Giant Mtyanda moves straight into the starting XV in his stead partnering with Stephan Lewies at lock.
Upfront, Coenie Oosthuizen rotates in at tighthead prop with Lourens Adriaanse back on the bench. Franco Marais continues at hooker alongside Springbok loosehead Beast Mtawarira.
Most notably, Tera Mtembu is back in the mix on the bench having recovered from his most recent knee injury. The versatile flank has been plagued by knee injuries over the past three seasons and will be looking to get some game time under the belt.
Gold made it clear earlier this week that a trip West so soon after a tour of New Zealand was completely new territory for the Sharks and the side would take no shortcuts in preparing for the weekend’s clash.
The Jaguares will be fresh coming off a bye, coupled with the confidence gained from their 73-27 win over the Kings the week before.
With that in mind, Gold stuck with a strong and mostly unchanged starting XV to retain continuity for what will be a bruising encounter in a hostile Buenos Aires.
“I think with the intensity and speed of the game New Zealand teams play, you probably couldn’t get better preparation then four Kiwi teams in a row. But that is why I warn against complacency, there is no reason why you should think that going to Argentina, it’s going to be any less physical, fast or helter-skelter because it’s not,” Gold said.
“I reiterate that this Jaguares team has 10 or 12 internationals at their disposal and like us, are also a team that feels like they clicked in their last game.”
Sharks team (15-1): Willie le Roux, Odwa Ndungane, Paul Jordaan, Andre Esterhuizen, JP Pietersen, Pat Lambie, Michael Claassens, Daniel du Preez, Jean Deysel, Keegan Daniel, Stephan Lewies, Giant Mtyanda, Coenie Oosthuizen, Franco Marais, Beast Mtawarira.
Replacements: Chiliboy Ralepelle/Kyle Cooper, Dale Chadwick, Lourens Adriaanse, Etienne Oosthuizen, Tera Mtembu, Stefan Ungerer, Garth April, S'bura Sithole/Joe Pietersen.
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