Neil Powell has explained that it is vital the Sharks manage their Springboks through an action-packed portion of the season, after resting Eben Etzebeth and benching Siya Kolisi against the Lions.
Powell has overhauled the Sharks pack after a draining Champions Cup away win at Bordeaux as he looks to keep the players fresh for the coming weeks.
TEAM: Sharks lock Tshituka in for Lions reunion
Regular loose forward Vincent Tshituka replaces Etzebeth at lock, while Phepsi Buthelezi will captain the team as Kolisi plays off the bench in Durban.
“It is a part of our rotational policy,” Powell told the media on Thursday.
“We have not selected some players in an effort to give them a break. If you look at the amount of game minutes that Siya and Eben have got over the last few months — not just for the Sharks but also for South Africa — it is important for us to manage them well.
“We are in a block where we play 11 consecutive games and we are only at the fifth game. There are another six games after this, so it is going to be important for us to manage our squad to get through these 11 weeks.
“It’s an opportunity for a guy like Eben to get a break and play Siya off the bench. Ox [Nche] is still suspended but he will hopefully be back for the Bulls game next week.”
URC PICKS: Coastal teams to win on derby day!
The decision to name Buthelezi as captain comes despite the return of Lukhanyo Am, who led the Sharks last year, and the presence of Thomas du Toit in the starting lineup.
Powell explained that, following a lengthy injury layoff, the focus is on getting Am back into form, before giving the Springbok any extra responsibilities.
“Lukhanyo has just come back from a long-term injury and the most important thing for him now is to just focus on his own game.
“We want to allow him to do exactly that. To give him the added responsibility of leading the team will always be difficult for someone who comes back from a long-term injury.
“The Boks will only be available for certain times in the year, and it is crucial that we have a bit of continuity in our captain for the whole URC campaign.”
MORE: Delight for Boks as RG nears return
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
