Sharks head coach Robert du Preez has named his side to play the Pumas at Mbombela Stadium, with Keegan Daniel his captain.

The Sharks boss said it was important his side started the Currie Cup season off with a win and that the Pumas should not be underestimated.

“Starting this campaign on a positive note is priority for us. I said at the outset that bringing our fans back is something I am passionate about, and by playing a brand of rugby that is entertaining, but also brings us results, is what we intend to do,” Du Preez said.

“The Pumas can never be taken lightly and we know they will be up for the challenge on Friday. We have a good mixture of youth and experience, and everyone is keen to get our campaign underway.”

Du Preez also commented on Daniel being appointed captain for the Currie Cup campaign as prop Tendai Mtawarira will in all likelihood be preoccupied with the Springboks.

“Keegan’s leadership record speaks for itself and he will play a mentorship role, with the assistance of the other leaders in our squad.”

Teams:

Pumas

TBA

Sharks

15 Odwa Ndungane, 14 Neil Maritz, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 S’bura Sithole, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Michael Claassens, 8 Philip van der Walt, 7 Jean-Luc du Preez, 6 Keegan Daniel (captain), 5 Stephan Lewies, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Lourens Adriaanse, 2 Franco Marais, 1 Dale Chadwick

Substitutes: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Thomas du Toit, 18 Ruan Botha, 19 Tera Mtembu, 20 Stefan Ungerer, 21 Inny Radebe, 22 Heimar Williams

Source: News24Wire.