Sharks gamble on French ‘flair’; Kings don’t have locks

French rugby players aren’t necessarily known for their reliability but the Sharks are hoping Clement Poitrenaud bucks that trend.

The 34-year-old France international, who played 47 Tests, on Thursday was picked at fullback for the Durbanites in Friday’s Super Rugby match against the Brumbies in Canberra.

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Now, the Sharks obviously signed the veteran to perform a versatile role in this squad.

But it’s also debatable if coach Robert du Preez and his fellow selectors really are justified swapping Poitrenaud for 19-year-old star Curwin Bosch.

The youngster endured a difficult Super Rugby debut against the Reds last week, with his handling in particular a disappointment.

However, Poitrenaud hardly covered himself in glory.

His first touch as replacement resulted in a knock-on and he conceded 2 turnovers in 23 minutes.

Given that the gifted Bosch represents the future of Sharks rugby, couldn’t Du Preez have persisted with him for at least one more game?

It’s a relevant question because of the fact that Poitrenaud didn’t play much better than him.

The Frenchman is one of only two changes made by the Sharks.

Stephan Lewies, a one-cap Springbok, replaces the suspended Etienne Oosthuizen at lock.

Oosthuizen was excellent against the Reds but Du Preez can’t complain about his replacement.

“Etienne is a big loss but we have a very good replacement in Stephan.  Our squad depth is really important and the guys that come into the starting line-up have to use their opportunity,” said Du Preez.

** Meanwhile, the Kings take on the Sunwolves in Singapore with only one specialist lock.

Injuries have decimated coach Deon Davids’ stock in that position , meaning flanker Tyler Paul will have to deputise there on Saturday.

The Kings’ mentor though will be happy his one fit lock is Mzwanele Zito.

The 28-year-old made an excellent debut against the Jaguares last week, making 16 tackles, being secure in the line-outs and showed up well as ball-carrier.

In truth, the Kings have the luxury of continuity in their starting XV, a pleasing development.

They are experimenting with their bench.

“We have thought that in order to build on our Vodacom Super Rugby experience, we would rotate on the bench,” said Davids.

Sharks (vs Brumbies): Clement Poitrenaud, Kobus van Wyk, Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Lwazi Mvovo, Pat Lambie, Cobus Reinach, Tera Mtembu, Jean-Luc du Preez, Philip van der Walt, Ruan Botha, Stephan Lewies, Coenie Oosthuizen, Franco Marais, Beast Mtawarira. Bench: Chiliboy Ralepelle, Thomas du Toit, Lourens Adriaanse, Jean Droste, Jacques Vermeulen, Michael Claassens, Jeremy Ward, Curwin Bosch.

Kings (vs Sunwolves): Masixole Banda, Makazole Mapimpi, Berton Klaasen, Waylon Murray, Malcolm Jaer, Lionel Cronje, Louis Schreuder, Ruaan Lerm, Stefan Willemse, Andisa Ntsila, Mzwanele Zito, Tyler Paul, Ross Geldenhuys, Mikey Willemse, Schalk Ferreria. Bench: Kurt Haupt, Schalk van der Merwe, Justin Forwood, Thembelani Bholi, Chris Cloete, Poerie van Rooyen, Pieter-Steyn de Wet, Luzuko Vulindlu.

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