Sharks to blunt Bulls by starting Bosch

A concussion has ruled Cell C Sharks fullback Aphelele Fassi out of Saturday’s crunch Vodacom Super Rugby showdown with the Bulls, but there has been some good news for the Durbanites.

Curwin Bosch, himself a late withdrawal from the match day squad for last week’s game against the Stormers, has passed his concussion test. And after training in the probable team for most of Tuesday afternoon’s training session on a Jonnson King’s Park outerfield, the former South African schools star looks set to return to the Sharks starting team for the first time this season.

It may suit the Sharks, as Bosch brings experience and his lengthy field kicking boot to the position against a Bulls team that will, like the Stormers did last week, be sure to employ a smart tactical kicking game.

Another possible change to the back three is on the wing, where Lwazi Mvovo ran during most of Tuesday’s training session. It looks like Sbu Nkosi might be rotated, possibly as part of an agreement with the Springbok management.

The adjustments to the back three will not be the only changes to the starting team for the trip to Loftus. Andre Esterhuizen looks set to be rotated this week, possibly for the same reason as Nkosi, with Jeremy Ward slotting in at inside centre alongside one of the form players of the early rounds of Super Rugby, Lukhanyo Am.

Tyler Paul left the field early against the Stormers and won’t be fit for the trip to Pretoria so there is going to be another change at forward, with Phendulani Buthelezi coming in on the flank for what will be the promising youngsters first game for the Sharks. Buthelezi, a schoolboy star not long ago, got to play 70 minutes against the Stormers as Paul’s replacement but this will be his first start in the No 7 jersey.

The Sharks team will be announced on Thursday.