Sharks rotate for eight-day cram

In one of the many strange quirks of the revamped format this year, there will be a full round of midweek matches next Wednesday - to go with this coming weekend's fixtures (August 4 and 5) and another full round next Sayturday (Ausgust 12).

Du Preez, speaking to the media ahead of their Round Three encounter with Griquas this coming Friday, said they will to take it "one game at a time".

"This Friday is really important for us to do well," he said of their clash with the men from Kimberley.

"Having said that, we have to plan ahead with the games that are coming up - [which includes games] against the Bulls and the Lions.

"We will try and utilise the squad for that, we will just have to rotate some guys over the next three games."

Du Preez added that they will have to adapt their training.

"We had quite a tough training week this week," Du Preez said, adding: "Going into next week it will really have to be light [duty]."

* Springbok loose forward Jean-Luc du Preez has been rested this week and lock Hyron Andrews was not considered for selection due to a shoulder injury.

Sharks: 15 Garth April, 14 Kobus van Wyk, 13 Jeremy Ward, 12 Lukhanyo Am, 11 Sibusiso Nkosi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Michael Claassens, 8 Daniel du Preez, 7 Jacques Vermeulen, 6 Keegan Daniel, 5 Ruan Botha (captain), 4 Tyler Paul, 3 Ross Geldenhuys, 2 Mahlatse Ralepelle, 1 Thomas du Toit.

Replacements: 16 Franco Marais, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 John-Hubert Meyer, 19 Jean Droste, 20 Lubabalo Mtembu, 21 Cameron Wright, 22 Inny-Christian Radebe.

Date: Friday, August 4

Venue: Kings Park, Durban

Kick-off: 19.00 (17.00 GMT)

Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge

Assistant referees: Vusi Msibi, Blake Beattie

TMO: Willie Vos