Lambie captains Sharks against Crusaders

The Sharks have named a team with a number of returning Springboks for this weekend’s match against the Crusaders at Kings Park on Saturday.

The Springbok trio of Marcell Coetzee, Cobus Reinach and Patrick Lambie as Sharks captain for this week’s contest.

Lambie comes in for Frans Steyn who has been suspended and Cobus Reinach replaces Conrad Hoffmann who drops to the bench.

Renaldo Bothma has been rested for this week and is replaced by Marcell Coetzee who like Lambie was given last week off.

Director of Rugby Gary Gold says the Durban franchise are expecting a tough contest, “The Crusaders are a fantastic team, loaded with All Blacks. ”

“They have not won this competition as many times as they have by accident,” said Gold.

“They can never be taken lightly and we all know what a dangerous side they are when they hit their straps.

“It’s fantastic to play against a team of this quality; every team wants to be measured against the best. We are confident with our group of players and are excited about the match-up this weekend.”

Sharks

15. SP Marais , 14. Odwa Ndungane , 13. JP Pietersen , 12. Andre Esterhuizen , 11. Lwazi Mvovo , 10. Patrick Lambie (Captain) , 9. Cobus Reinach , 8. Ryan Kankowski , 7. Jean Deysel , 6. Marcell Coetzee , 5. Marco Wentzel , 4. Mouritz Botha , 3. Jannie du Plessis , 2. Kyle Cooper , 1. Tendai Mtawarira

Replacements , 16. Franco Marais , 17. Thomas du Toit , 18. Matt Stevens , 19. Lubabalo Mtyanda , 20. Renaldo Bothma , 21. Conrad Hoffmann , 22. Fred Zeilinga , 23. Waylon Murray