Cape Town - Sharks coach Robert du Preez has selected a 27-man squad that will depart on Sunday for their four-match tour to Australasia.
Commenting on the squad selected Du Preez said: “I have gone for 15 forwards and 12 backs. My selection was based on who is fit and available, and I have rewarded players who have taken opportunities they’ve been given.”
“We are looking forward to this tour. Tours always strengthen team spirit and this win under our belt will give us confidence going into the next four week. It’s time for us to stand-up and hopefully we make everyone who loves the black and white proud”, he added.
The Sharks beat the Sunwolves 50-22 on Saturday to move to second in the South African Conference and seventh in the Overall standings.
The Sharks open their tour Down Under against the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday, March 17 at 10:45 SA time, followed by matches against the Rebels (Friday, March 24 at 10:45), the Blues (Saturday, March 31 at 08:35) and the Hurricanes (Friday, April 6 at 09:35).
Coenie Oosthuizen, Daniel du Preez, Jeremy Ward, Michael Claassens and Philip van der Walt weren't considered for selection due to injury.
Sharks 27-man touring squad:
Forwards
Akker van der Merwe, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Franco Marais, Hyron Andrews, Jacques Vermeulen, Jean-Luc du Preez, John-Hubert Meyer, Juan Schoeman, Ruan Botha, Stephan Lewies, Tendai Mtawarira, Tera Mtembu, Thomas du Toit, Tyler Paul, Wian Vosloo
Backs
Andre Esterhuizen, Cameron Wright, Curwin Bosch, Garth April, Kobus van Wyk, Louis Schreuder, Lukhanyo Am, Lwazi Mvovo, Makazole Mapimpi, Marius Louw, Robert du Preez, Sbu Nkosi