Pietersen makes Sharks return

JP Pietersen will make his return to the Sharks team for the first time since mid-May for their final Super Rugby clash of the season against the Southern Kings in Durban on Saturday.

The Springbok wing, who has been out with various injuries, comes in for the suspended Butch James with Odwa Ndungane shifting to fullback.

"JP is one of those guys that brings a bit of laughter to the team," said interim coach Hugh Reece-Edwards. "He's relaxed and it's always good to have a player like that in the side. "He wants to score tries and wants to do well and hopefully he'll be in good form."

Last week the Sharks made last minute changes to the run-on side for the Bulls clash, which saw James slot in at flyhalf, while Lambie shifted to the inside centre position.

Meyer Bosman replaces Lambie for this week's encounter, while regular fullback Riaan Viljoen will be wearing the number 10 jersey. Keegan Daniel reclaims the captaincy after playing off the bench against the Bulls last week, with Willem Alberts shifting to the bench.

The 10th-placed Sharks have only pride to play for after their play-off hopes ended last week, but they still hope to finish the campaign with a flourish.

"It's a home game, so hopefully there will be a decent crowd because the players want to thank their supporters," Reece-Edwards said. "The players know they are coming off a good performance against the Bulls, and we want to finish off the season well and perhaps end in seventh place. "That's not good enough, but it's far better than the 10th place we're in now."

Sharks team: Odwa Ndungane, JP Pietersen, Louis Ludik, Meyer Bosman, Lwazi Mvovo, Riaan Viljoen, Charl McLeod, Keegan Daniel (captain), Jean Deysel, Marcell Coetzee, Franco van der Merwe, Edwin Hewitt, Jannie du Plessis, Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira. Replacements: Kyle Cooper, Wiehahn Herbst, Jandre Marais, Willem Alberts, Jacques Botes, Cobus Reinach, Fred Zeilinga.

(File photo: Gallo Images)
     
- Sapa