SA Rugby Preview Force V Sharks
Preview: Force v Sharks
Thursday, March 19
The Sharks will be looking to return to their winning ways when they take on the Western Force at Subiaco Oval on Saturday.
The men from Durban produced a lacklustre effort against the Reds last weekend and subsequently suffered a humbling 13-25 defeat. It was the Sharks first loss of the season as the previously clinical outfit looked disorganised and made too many basic mistakes.
The turning point in the match was when Springbok flyhalf Ruan Pienaar limped off through injury. Francois Steyn switched from centre to pivot but was again exposed and found wanting in the crucial No 10 position.
That will be the Sharks major concern heading into Saturday’s clash against the Force. Pienaar has returned to South Africa and Monty Dumond has joined up with the squad as cover. However, coach John Plumtree has opted to play Steyn at flyhalf with youngster Riaan Swanepoel coming in at inside centre.
Other changes to the match 22 are all in the front row. Firstly, Deon Carstens returns to the starting line-up ahead of Tendai Mtawarira, who has not yet retained full match fitness. John Smit rotates with Bismarck du Plessis and Jannie du Plessis returns to the starting XV at tighthead.
The bench has a mix of youth and experience. Experience up front in replacements du Plessis, Mtawarira and van den Berg; however, their depth might be tested for the first time this season with rookies Downey, Cronje, Dumond and Vulindlu all on the wood.
Conversely, the home team rallied an impressive comeback against the Crusaders last weekend to pull off a draw and have arguably the form flyhalf of the competition in Matt Giteau.
Saturday is the first of three consecutive home matches for John Mitchell’s troops and, while they’ve struggled to get satisfactory results in front of their home crowd in the past, simply have to perform well and get the results if they aim to make a legitimate challenge for a semi-final spot.
Mitchell has made six changes to his side including a backline reshuffle of note following injuries to both wings Nick Cummings and Cameron Shepherd. Veteran Scott Staniforth will make his first appearance of the season stepping in for Cummings on the right wing, Drew Mitchell switches from fullback to left wing and James O’Connor moves in at fullback.
In addition, Junior Pelesasa returns to inside centre, Tom Hockings links up with captain Nathan Sharpe in the second row and Matt Hodgson returns to openside flank.
Key Battle: Matt Giteau vs. Francois Steyn. Steyn faces a tall order in Giteau on Saturday especially after his disappointing game against the Reds last weekend. He’ll have to put that behind him and play to his full potential if the Sharks are to win this one.
Prediction: The disruption caused by Ruan Pienaar’s injury had a profound effect on the Sharks last weekend and have left them looking a bit thin what backline depth is concerned. They can produce the win if everything falls into place on Saturday, but I think the Force will win a close one. Force by 5.
Last year’s result: Sharks 17-10 Force (Absa Stadium, Durban)
