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Durban - While there has been an increase in intensity in the Sharks camp ahead of Saturday’s Currie Cup final, the Durbanites aren’t looking to alter much in their approach.
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This was revealed by loose forward Jean-Luc du Preez, who will start at No 7 in Saturday’s final against Western Province at Kings Park.
“There is a bit of tension, but we are sticking to what we’ve done to get us to this point, there won’t be any major changes,” Du Preez told the Sharks’ official website.
Although Du Preez played in some big games in his career (one being a final in 2014 for the Junior Springboks) and recently represented the Springboks, this is his first taste of a Currie Cup final.
“It’s a massive game, I haven’t played a game of this calibre before and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Aside from the obvious and instant reward of winning the Currie Cup competition, Du Preez admits that the long term benefits that come with success cannot be underestimated.
“This is a very young group and we’re also preparing for next year’s Super Rugby season and beyond, and as long as this group stays together, that will bode well for the future.”
Sharks coach Robert du Preez made only one change to his starting line-up, with Odwa Ndungane replacing the injured Sbu Nkosi at left wing, with Rhyno Smith coming in on the bench.
Kick-off for Saturday’s Currie Cup final is scheduled for 16:00.
Teams:
Sharks
15 Garth April, 14 Kobus van Wyk, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Odwa Ndungane, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Louis Schreuder, 8 Daniel du Preez, 7 Jean-Luc du Preez, 6 Keegan Daniel, 5 Ruan Botha (captain), 4 Tyler Paul, 3 Ross Geldenhuys, 2 Franco Marais, 1 Thomas du Toit
Substitutes: 16 Akker van der Merwe, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 John-Hubert Meyer, 19 Jean Droste, 20 Jacques Vermeulen, 21 Michael Claassens, 22 Tristan Blewett, 23 Rhyno Smith
Western Province
15 Damian Willemse, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Huw Jones, 11 Dillyn Leyds, 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 Nizaam Carr, 7 Cobus Wiese, 6 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Chris van Zyl (captain), 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 JC Janse van Rensburg.
Substitutes: 16 Ramone Samuels, 17 Ali Vermaak, 18 Frans van Wyk, 19 Jan de Klerk, 20 Kobus van Dyk, 21 Jano Vermaak, 22 Werner Kok, 23 Dan Kriel
