Cronje at pivot for Sharks

Cape Town - Sharks Director of Rugby Gary Gold has named his team for their Currie Cup opener against the Pumas in Nelspruit on Friday (18:00 kick-off).

Marco Wentzel, who led the Sharks for large parts during Super Rugby, will again captain the team.

New recruit, Joe Pietersen, who started at No 10 in last week’s warm-up match against the Lions in Pietermartizburg, has been shifted to fullback with Lionel Cronje given the No 10 jersey.

Stefan Ungerer has also been given a start at scrumhalf ahead of former Springbok Michael Claassens.

Up front, new signing Philip van der Walt will start in the No 8 jersey in a pack with a nice blend of youth and experience.

Speaking ahead of the match against the Pumas, Gold commented: "We had a good pre-season and I am happy with the composition of our team.

“There is some exciting young talent coming through the ranks. Guys like Stefan Ungerer, Daniel and Jean-Luc du Preez, Monde Hadebe, Franco Marais and Thomas du Toit will be given their opportunities during the course of this campaign.

"The Pumas are a well-coached unit and are coming off a high with their win in the Vodacom Cup competition. They are always a tough prospect at home."

Teams:

Pumas:

TBA

Sharks:

15. Joe Pietersen, 14. S’bura Sithole, 13. Wandile Mjekevu, 12. Heimar Williams, 11. Andre Esterhuizen, 10. Lionel Cronje, 9. Stefan Ungerer, 8. Philip van der Walt, 7. Jean-Luc du Preez, 6. Khaya Majola, 5. Marco Wentzel (captain), 4. Etienne Oosthuizen, 3. Lourens Adriaanse, 2. Monde Hadebe, 1. Dale Chadwick

Substitutes: 16. Franco Marais, 17. Thomas du Toit, 18. Dave McDuling, 19. Daniel du Preez, 20. Francois Kleinhans, 21. Michael Claassens, 22. SP Marais