RUGBY Super 14: Sharks vs. Crusaders

[Omac]

Matchday Information: Sharks vs Crusaders: Saturday 3 March, 2007

14H00: Parking Gates Open
15H30: Turnstiles Open
15H00: Rovers vs Hamilton
17H00: SHARKS vs CRUSADERS

Referee, TJ1, TJ2, TV Match Official

S. Dickinson, D. Cheever, C. du Preez, S Veldsman

Ticket Prices at The Absa Stadium Durban:
R80 for adults and R40 for scholar benches (ie, school-going age, positioned behind the posts)

http://www.sharksrugby.co.za/default.asp?Id=2280&des=content

Sharks' big guns return for Crusaders by Gavin Rich

Posted on 28 February 2007 - 07:49

If it were not for the absence of Frans Steyn through injury, the Sharks would be the closest they have been all season to full strength when they crash with the Crusaders at Absa Stadium on Saturday.

Steyn has been ruled out for four weeks, but Butch James was probably always likely to return to flyhalf for this game, which means that Odwa Ndungane, who is now over his injury problems, can be accommodated on the right wing.

Waylon Murray wore the No 14 jersey against the Highlanders in their last Vodacom Super 14 encouter, but returns to his preferred position of outside centre in place of Adrian Jacobs, who drops to the bench.

As anticipated, Sharks coach Dick Muir has made three changes at forward, with Jacques Botes returning at flank after playing only off the bench against the Highlanders. Johan Ackermann joins Ndungane in playing his first big game of the season, while skipper John Smit is back at the expense of the always impressive Bismarck du Plessis.

A notable absentee from the squad this week is Bob Skinstad, who joins Kees Lensing in playing for the Wildebeest team. Muir has explained this by saying that both players would benefit more from playing a full match as they both need game time.

Muir still has two loose-forwards on the bench, however, with Warren Britz and Keegan Daniel sure to come onto the field in the second half.

Sharks team: Percy Montgomery, Odwa Ndungane, Waylon Murray, Brad Barritt, JP Pietersen, Butch James, Ruan Pienaar, Ryan Kankowski, AJ Venter, Jacques Botes, Johann Muller, Johan Ackermann, BJ Botha, John Smit (captain), Deon Carstens. Replacements: Bismarck du Plessis, Beast Mtawarira, Albert van den Berg, Warren Britz, Keegan Daniel, Rory Kockott, Adrian Jacobs.

http://www.superrugby.co.za/default.asp?id=206459&des=article&scat=superrugby/super14

Tough match methinks, but the Sharks will do it.

 

[Random717]

oooh can't wait

 

[web]

Me thinks we are playing the crusaders one week to late ? They are starting to get it right now !

 

[Omac]

Me thinks we are playing the crusaders one week to late ? They are starting to get it right now !

Yeah! And so are we!

Should be a great game. I'll be there.

 

[justinct]

I just hope the boys can keep their heads the whole 80mins. The crusaders even without their top players are a very dangerous team and can bounce back at any time.

I agree im worried about playing them now that they probably have their confidence back. But they have been in SA for awhile now maybe they will be homesick also the humidity might get to them.

Just hope we win but i have faith.
Butch ftw

 

[kiepie]

All the luck to the Sharks. if they can take this one, we will definately have a huge boost! Sharks ftw!!!

 

[Pitbull]

I've got money on the Sharks... They must win.