Bosman a bolter for Sharks

Sharks coach John Plumtree has been forced to make changes to his team for the Currie Cup crunch match with the Blue Bulls in Durban on Friday.

Lwazi Mvovo and Craig Burden returned to the Springboks, with Louis Ludik selected on the wing and Pieter Dixon at hooker.

However, the return of Sevens Bok Paul Jordaan allowed Plumtree to make a change at flyhalf, naming Meyer Bosman in the No.10 jersey - a move he has talked about for the last few weeks.

Jordaan has been named at outside centre, with Tim Whitehead moved in one spot to No.12.

As a result Riaan Viljoen shifts to fullback to fill the game left by Ludik's move to the wing.

Kyle Cooper has made his return from injury and will provide back-up at hooker off the bench.

The congested standings ensure there is plenty riding on the game - even though the Sharks are second and the Bulls second last.

"There's not much in it on the log," Sharks assistant coach Grant Bashford said.

"The Lions are only just ahead of us and Province have caught up now as well.

"It's really the side that wins the next three games that is likely to have a home semifinal and Final. With two of our last three games taking place at home, where we have only lost once this year, we really want to start building momentum heading into the knockout stage."

Sharks: 15 Riaan Viljoen, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Paul Jordaan, 12 Tim Whitehead, 11 Louis Ludik, 10 Meyer Bosman, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Keegan Daniel (captain), 7 Jean Deysel, 6 Jacques Botes, 5 Anton Bresler, 4 Steven Sykes, 3 Wiehahn Herbst, 2 Pieter Dixon, 1 Dale Chadwick.

Replacements: 16 Kyle Cooper, 17 Julian Redelinghuys, 18 Jandré Marais, 19 Lubabalo Mtembu, 20 Charl McLeod, 21 Marius Joubert, 22 S'bura Sithole.

Date: Friday, September 28

Venue: Kings Park, Durban

Kick-off: 19.10 (17.10 GMT)

Referee: Mark Lawrence

Assistant referees: Ben Crouse, Reuben Rossouw

TMO: Johann Meuwesen