Western Province will play the Sharks at Kings Park on Wednesday evening in a crucial Currie Cup coastal derby, with the Durban-based side announcing their lineup on Tuesday.
Curwin Bosch’s selection to start at flyhalf, marking his long-awaited return to the frontline, will not go ignored.
Bosch is supposed to be recovering from an injury, but it’s no secret that he’s been struggling with form and confidence for some time.
An exit from the Durban-based side appeared to be on the cards for the utility back as he sought to make a fresh start somewhere else, but it’s believed that the door to a potential contract at English club Bath has been shut.
After being afforded a period of introspection, Bosch has now returned to the Sharks mix, and he will feature at flyhalf against Western Province.
Meanwhile, the Sharks have also been bolstered by the inclusion of eighthman Sikhumbuzo Notshe who makes a welcome return to the playing field after suffering a devastating knee injury in May last year that required surgery.
He puts the disappointment of missing eight months of rugby action behind him as he now starts for the Sharks.
Then at fullback, there is also an interesting selection of Inny Radebe, who had once decided to retire from rugby. However, the talented player recently decided to make a comeback to the game, and began by playing for Durban club side College Rovers.
He has now been picked at fullback in what will be a memorable return to the Currie Cup for the 27-year-old, who can also play at flyhalf.
Sadly out of action due to a long-term injury is new recruit Eduan Keyter who made his Sharks debut against Griquas in the opening match of the competition. His place on the wing is taken by Marnus Potgieter who shone for the Sharks in their overseas leg of the United Rugby Championship.
Sharks team
1. Khwezi Mona
2. Fez Mbatha
3. Lourens Adriaanse
4. Emile van Heerden
5. Reniel Hugo
6. James Venter (v/c)
7. Celimpilo Gumede
8. Sikhumbuzo Notshe
9. Cameron Wright
10. Curwin Bosch
11. Marnus Potgieter
12. Marius Louw (c)
13. Werner Kok
14. Yaw Penxe
15. Inny Radebe
Replacements
16. Dan Jooste
17. Dian Bleuler
18. Hanro Jacobs
19. Le Roux Roets
20. Thembelani Bholi
21. OJ Noa
22. Sanele Nohamba
23. Murray Koster