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Muller was helped from the field towards the end of the narrow defeat to the Crusaders in Durban two weeks ago, and it is still touch and go whether he will be ready to face the Highlanders. Should he not be, it can be assumed that Springbok skipper John Smit will take over the captaincy.
In a move that should please Springbok coach Peter de Villiers, Smit has been returned to the No3 jersey. It is understood that De Villiers is still considering fielding Smit at tighthead against the British and Irish Lions, but Smit has only been used sparingly by the Sharks in that position.
With the exception of the doubt over Muller, the absence of Adrian Jacobs through injury is all that prevents the Sharks from being back to full strength for this game. Ruan Pienaar felt sore after his initial contact session at Northwood College on Monday, but felt comfortable enough during an early morning practice on Thursday for him to be included in the starting team.
His return to pivot means that Frans Steyn gets to play inside centre, the position where he excelled for the Boks at the World Cup. Jean Deysel, after coming on as a replacement against Crusaders, gets to start for the first time since being injured in late February.
Sharks team: Stefan Terblanche, Odwa Ndungane, Riaan Swanepoel, Francois Steyn, JP Pietersen, Ruan Pienaar, Rory Kockott, Ruan Kankowski, Jean Deysel, Jacques Botes, Johann Muller (captain)/Albert van den Berg, Steven Sykes, John Smit, Bismarck du Plessis, Beast Mtawirara.
Reserves: Deon Carstens, Jannie du Plessis, Albert van den Berg/Johann Snyman, Keegan Daniel, Charl MacLeod, Monty Dumond, Andries Bekker.
