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Sharks v Bulls, preview
May 18, 2007 - 5:58am
Story by: Sportal
Venue & time
Absa Stadium, Durban. Saturday May 19, 23:00 (AEST)
Head to head
Played 12: Bulls 5, Sharks 5, draws 2.
Last time
February 2, 2007 (Durban) Sharks 17-3 Bulls
Walking wounded & team changes
Dynamic winger JP Pietersen and reserve centre Adrian Jacobs were the only doubtful starters before the Sharks but both have been cleared to play with Pietersen starting on the wing and Jacobs on the bench.
The Bulls have made two changes with star scrumhalf Fourie du Preez back in the side, although it is acknowledged his injured shoulder isn't 100 per cent. Giant lock Bakkies Botha also returns to the starting line-up with scrumhalf Heini Adams and second-rower Danie Rossouw dropping back to the bench.
Form
Both the Sharks and the Bulls have been in outstanding form. The Sharks maintained their exciting style of play in their semi-final win over the Blues last week in Durban while the Bulls showed incredibly defence and fantastic forward play to pressure the Crusaders out of last week's other semi.
Who's hot
Once again, with the form these teams are showing nearly all the players could be considered 'hot'. Standouts for the Sharks include second-rower Johan Muller, who won the man-of-the-match award last start, loose trio AJ Venter, Jacques Botha and Ryan Kankowski and prop Deon Carstens. Scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar is one to watch as is Waylon Murray in the centres while teenage winger Francois Steyn is absolutely electric every time he gets the ball with his unpredictable nature a huge asset.
Bulls skipper Victor Matfield had an unbelievable game last week against the Crusaders. The lineout specialist led from the front in an attacking defence along with flankers Pedrie Wannenburg, Wikus van Heerden and No.8 Pierre Spies. Derrick Hougaard out kicked Daniel Carter last start which speaks volumes for the kind of form he is in with the boot. Winger Bryan Habana was called upon to perform a different role last week but he is at the top of his game so expect the Springboks flyer to press for tries in attack.
Teams
Sharks
1. Deon Carstens
2. John Smit (c),
3. BJ Botha,
4. Johan Ackermann,
5. Johann Muller,
6. Jacques Botes,
7. AJ Venter,
8. Ryan Kankowski,
9. Ruan Pienaar,
10. Butch James,
11. JP Pietersen,
12. Bradley Barritt
13. Waylon Murray,
14. Francois Steyn,
15. Percy Montgomery.
16. Bismarck du Plessis,
17. Tendai Mtawarira,
18. Albert van den Berg,
19. Warren Britz,
20. Bob Skinstad,
21. Rory Kockott,
22. Adrian Jacobs.
Bulls
1. Guthro Steenkamp,
2. Gary Botha,
3. Rayno Gerber,
4. Bakkies Botha,
5. Victor Matfield (c),
6. Pedrie Wannenburg,
7. Wikus van Heerden,
8. Pierre Spies,
9. Fourie du Preez,
10. Derick Hougaard,
11. Bryan Habana,
12. Wynand Olivier,
13. JP Nel,
14. Akona Ndungane,
15. Johan Roets.
16. Jaco Engels,
17. Danie Thiart,
18. Danie Rossouw,
19. Derrick Kuun,
20. Heini Adams,
21. Morne Steyn,
22. Jaco van der Westhuyzen.