Sharks v Brumbies: Super Rugby match preview
Unbeaten records will be at stake on Saturday as Super Rugby leaders Brumbies take on the Sharks in Durban.
Last Updated: 15/03/13 11:54am
The pair remain two of only three unbeaten sides in the 2013 campaign alongside the Bulls.
It is advantage Sharks this weekend with the home side losing only one of seven previous encounters against the Brumbies at their Kings Park fortress in Durban.
The Australian visitors have not beaten the Sharks in South Africa since 2007 when they ran out 21-10 victors.
Bench
Regular captain Keegan Daniel returns to the Sharks fold after a six-week layoff following an injury sustained in pre-season.
Daniel's return is timely for coach John Plumtree who will be without loose forwards Jacques Botes and Jean Deysel for the clash against the Brumbies.
Willem Alberts is still unavailable for the Sharks leaving Marcell Coetzee and Ryan Kankowski in the pack.
Brumbies coach Jake White makes five changes to his side ahead of the clash with back-row George Smith the most notable inclusion in the starting line-up.
Scott Sio has also been handed his first Brumbies start in the front row where he will face Springbok Jannie du Plessis.
Sharks: 15 Louis Ludik, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Paul Jordaan, 12 Francois Steyn, 11 JP Pietersen, 10 Patrick Lambie, 9 Charl McLeod, 8 Ryan Kankowski, 7 Keegan Daniel (capt), 6 Marcell Coetzee, 5 Franco van der Merwe, 4 Anton Bresler, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Craig Burden, 1 Tendai Mtawarira
Replacements: 16 Kyle Cooper, 17 Wiehahn Herbst, 18 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 19 Jacques Botes, 20 Cobus Reinach, 21 Meyer Bosman, 22 Lwazi Mvovo.
Brumbies 15 Jesse Mogg, 14 Henry Speight, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Christian Lealiifano, 11 Joe Tomane, 10 Matt Toomua, 9 Nic White, 8 Fotu Auelua, 7 George Smith, 6 Ben Mowen (capt), 5 Sam Carter, 4 Peter Kimlin, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Scott Sio
Replacements: 16 Siliva Siliva, 17 Ruaidhri Murphy, 18 Scott Fardy, 19 Colby Faingaa, 20 Ian Prior, 21 Robbie Coleman, 22 Clyde Rathbone
