AJ and Ruan Return for the Sharks

Vodacom Super 14: Sharks vs Lions - Saturday 15 March 2008, 5pm - Ellis Park, Johannesburg

Two vital members of the Sharks' squad return from injury to make their way into the match 22 for the Sharks Round 5 Vodacom Super 14 match against the Lions this Saturday in Johannesburg (5pm kick-off).

As evidenced in team selection and as coach Dick Muir alluded to on Tuesday after training, there have not been major changes to the Sharks team that beat the Blues last Saturday at The Absa Stadium Durban in an effort to maintain continuity, but still give everyone game time.

Frederic Michalak has been given a bit of a breather after putting his body on the line against the Blues, but he has been named to play off the bench. With the opening up of the flyhalf berth, Frans Steyn moves to 10 from fullback and the steadying influence of Stefan Terblanche (who plays in his 70th Super match for the Sharks) replaces him in the number 15 jersey. Odwa Ndungane, a reserve last week, takes over Terblanche's vacated wing position.

Upfront, "Beast" Mtawarira gets a start alongside Bismarck du Plessis and BJ Botha with the second row and loose forward trio remaining intact.

Jannie du Plessis will play off the bench, and AJ Venter makes a return after injuring his leg, together with Ruan Pienaar after a collarbone injury.

With play-makers like Craig Burden, the burly Jean Deysel, Pienaar, Michalak and Adi Jacobs all set to make an impact later in the game, this is a bench not to be sneezed at.

1. Tendai Mtawarira
2. Bismarck du Plessis
3. BJ Botha
4. Albert van den Berg
5. Johann Muller (Capt)
6. Keegan Daniel
7. Jacques Botes
8. Ryan Kankowski

9. Rory Kockott
10. Francois Steyn
11. JP Pietersen
12. Bradley Barritt
13. Waylon Murray
14. Odwa Ndungane
15. Stefan Terblanche

Replacements
16. Craig Burden
17. Jannie du Plessis
18. AJ Venter
19. Jean Deysel
20. Ruan Pienaar
21. Frederic Michalak
22. Adrian Jacobs

With the Bulls, Stormers and Cheetahs all away, the match of local interest will be the clash between the Lions and the Sharks at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday (17h00).

The Sharks are in sparkling form, having won four in a row and presently lying second in the standings as one of only two unbeaten sides to date. By contrast, the Lions have lost their last three after opening the campaign with a win over the Cheetahs. They are currently 12th in the table.

History is also against the hosts who, even in their previous guise as the Cats, have not had a win over the Sharks in five seasons of trying. The closest was a 20-all draw at home in 2005. The Lions will be competitive as they always are but forwards and backs aren’t gelling as they should and they will be hard-pressed to prevent the Sharks from making it five from five.

Previous 5 meetings in Super Rugby - Lions vs Sharks

Lions (Cats) have won 0 Sharks have won 4 1 Draw

2007 - Lions 3 Sharks 33 in Durban
2006 - Lions (Cats) 8 Sharks 36 in Jhb
2005 - Lions (Cats) 20 Sharks 20 in Jhb
2004 – Lions (Cats) 28 Sharks 42 in Durban
2003 – Lions (Cats) 23 Sharks 29 in Jhb