Botha & Murray start for Sharks against Cheetahs

The Sharks have named their team to play the Cheetahs in their Super Rugby season opener with former England international Mouritz Botha in the starting line up.

Sharks Director of Rugby Gary Gold has also given starts to returning Shark Waylon Murray while recent re-signing Jean Deysel is named on the replacments bench.

“The Cheetahs for me are one of the most dangerous sides to play against and on their day they have the ability to beat any team,” said Gold.

We are expecting a physical battle against a well-coached team, who have some exciting young players in their squad.

“Our guys have prepared well for the tournament and there is a fantastic spirit in the camp. We want to play an exciting brand of rugby that our fans expect and score tries. “

“The only way to win matches is to score tries and to score tries you need to keep the ball in hand. Our players are determined and will give nothing less than 100% effort on the park.”

Sharks

15. SP Marais , 14. S’bura Sithole , 13. Waylon Murray , 12. Heimar Williams , 11. Lwazi Mvovo , 10. Patrick Lambie , 9. Cobus Reinach , 8. Tera Mtembu , 7. Renaldo Bothma , 6. Marcell Coetzee , 5. Pieter-Steph du Toit , 4. Mouritz Botha , 3. Jannie du Plessis , 2. Bismarck du Plessis (C) , 1. Tendai Mtawarira

Replacements : 16. Kyle Cooper , 17. Dale Chadwick , 18. Matt Stevens , 19. Marco Wentzel , 20. Jean Deysel , 21. Conrad Hoffmann , 22. Fred Zeilinga , 23. Odwa Ndungane