Just one change for Sharks Currie Cup semi

Besides one injury enforced change to the Sharks squad to face the Lions in Saturday’s Absa Currie Cup semi-final, coach John Plumtree has selected the exact same match-day 22 that beat the Lions 34-20 just over a week ago.

That match was played in Johannesburg but on this occasion the Lions will have to journey to the Shark Tank to face the Sharks’ star-studded line-up.

The all-international backline has been retained for the third consecutive week while among the forwards, Jean Deysel replaces Keegan Daniel on the flank, Johann Muller comes in for the injured Albert van den Berg in the second row, while Bismarck du Plessis retains his spot at hooker ahead of John Smit.

Van den Berg, who injured his shoulder in last weekend’s encounter against the Griquas, has been bracketed with Nikolai Blignaut among the reserves and a late call will be made on his fitness.

The Sharks finished top of the Currie Cup log and will head into Saturday’s encounter as firm favourites, but coach John Plumtree said they would not be able to rest on their laurels.

“What’s gone before us means nothing. We’re into semi-final week now and it’s obviously a knock-out stage. We’ve got to treat this game (against the Lions) as our last one and see how it goes.

Stefan Terblanche; Odwa Ndungane, Adrian Jacobs, Francois Steyn, JP Pietersen; Frederic Michalak, Ruan Pienaar; Ryan Kankowski, Jean Deysel, Jacques Botes, Johann Muller (captain), Steven Sykes, Jannie du Plessis, Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira.

Replacements – John Smit, Deon Carstens, Albert van den Berg/Nikolai Blignaut, Keegan Daniel, Rory Kockott, Bradley Barritt, Waylon Murray

Sapa – CurrieCupRugby.com