Rhyno Smith at fullback for Sharks
Cell C Sharks coach Rob du Preez has made a couple of injury-enforced changes to his side for their clash against the Rebels on Saturday.
The Sharks are coming off a bye week and should be refreshed after short break but a couple of players were ruled out action ahead of their first match back in action.
Jean-Luc du Preez picked up a slight hamstring strain in training this week and the Sharks have opted to rest the talented flank, while Garth April still hasn't recovered from a groin injury he picked up before the Jaguares clash two weeks ago. Rhyno Smith slots in at fullback this weekend, while Curwin Bosch moves to flyhalf.
Du Preez’s absence makes way for Philip van der Walt’s return to the starting XV. He featured off the bench in their 18-13 win over the Jaguares after an injury absence and his return is well-deserved as he has been a standout in the Sharks pack in their opening rounds of the competition.
There was talk of Keegan Daniel returning to action off the bench this weekend but he is being given more time to prepare for action after 10 weeks out from a fractured forearm.
The rest of the team is unchanged from their outing before the bye week so there is plenty of continuity going into this match.
Benhard Janse van Rensburg is also back in the mix and will provide flyhalf cover off the bench.
Cell C Sharks team (15-1):
Rhyno Smith, Kobus van Wyk, Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Lwazi Mvovo (vc), Curwin Bosch, Cobus Reinach, Daniel du Preez, Philip van der Walt, Tera Mtembu (c), Stephan Lewies, Etienne Oosthuizen, Coenie Oosthuizen, Franco Marais, Beast Mtawarira.
Replacements: Chiliboy Ralepelle, Thomas du Toit, Lourens Adriaanse, Ruan Botha, Jacques Vermeulen, Michael Claassens, Benhard Janse van Rensburg, Jeremy Ward.