Tinotenda Mavesere was one of the standout youngsters for the Sharks in the victory over the Bulls and will hope for some more United Rugby Championship game time this weekend against the Lions. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
The Sharks are in the luxurious position to select whether they will send the same squad to the Lions that defeated the Bulls a fortnight ago or strengthen the side with some key players.
Plenty of internationals were missing due to injury and resting protocols. Still, depending on who head coach John Plumtree goes with, players like captain Siya Kolisi and Jaden Hendrikse could be brought back to bulk up the squad. Both missed the trip to Pretoria, alongside tighthead prop Vincent Koch and injured players like James Venter (tear in chest muscle), Emmanuel Tshituka (dislocated big toe), and Ox Nche (tear of upper arm muscle).
The World Cup-winning Springboks, including Nche, should be back to face the Lions. But, after their brilliant display against the Bulls, while playing with 12 players at a stage, the temptation will be there to keep the team the same for Ellis Park.
The rookies on the Sharks' side, like loose forward Tino Mavesere, who stood in for Kolisi, and hooker Ethan Bester who replaced Bongi Mbonambi late in the first half, acquitted themselves well of their tasks. Mavesere scored an important try and picked up Player of the Match for his efforts.
It would be cruel to give him the boot after playing his heart out in a game few people gave them a chance to win. The same with Bester. He replaced Mbonambi late in the first half at Loftus after the decorated Bok picked up an injury and struggled to soldier on.
This trip to Johannesburg leaves the door open for Plumtree to continue backing those youngsters and then field a strengthened side with the returning Boks for the second derby match in Durban next weekend. The Springboks can only benefit from another week's rest, while the Sharks will continue to build their depth in the wider squad.
Having a game in hand over the other teams, except the Lions, could also sway Plumtree to continue with the squad that did duty two weeks ago. Currently fourth on the log, the Sharks will catch up with the Bulls if they claim a victory on Saturday and the Loftus side fail to beat the Stormers in their return North vs South derby.
Failing to pick up winning points against the Lions could see them drop out of the top four this week, but they'll then have another chance to set things right at Kings Park when they host the Jozi side.