Rob and Dan du Preez will play their first games of the season alongside brother JL, while Raffi Quirke returns from injury to take his place on the bench as Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson names a strong side for the Premiership Rugby Cup trip to local rivals Caldy (KO 3pm, Saturday, September 30).
Fly-half Rob will captain an experienced side against the Championship outfit, after Alex made five changes to his XV following last week’s defeat against Newcastle at Kingston Park.
In the front row, experienced prop Si McIntyre comes in to join Sale FC hooker Nathan Langdon and Nick Schonert.
Versatile Ernst van Rhyn moves from the back row to the second row, where he partners Jonny Hill. Ernie is replaced in the number six shirt by JL du Preez, with brother Dan starting at number 8 alongside openside Sam Dugdale.
Gus Warr keeps his place at scrum-half and he’s joined in the half backs by skipper Rob du Preez. Outside them, the two Sams – Bedlow and James – will team up again in the centres.
Arron Reed and Tom Roebuck will provide pace from the wings, while Tom O’Flaherty will start the game at full-back.
Alex has picked a 6-2 split on the bench for the Paton Field clash. Harry Thompson, Ross Harrison and James Harper cover the front row, while Josh Beaumont, Ben Bamber and former Caldy loanee Rouban Birch are the back five replacements.
England scrum-half Quirke and Tom Curtis make up the rest of the bench.
Sale Sharks Starting XV:
15. Tom O’Flaherty, 14. Tom Roebuck, 13. Sam James, 12. Sam Bedlow, 11. Arron Reed, 10. Rob du Preez ©, 9. Gus Warr; 1. Si McIntyre, 2. Nathan Langdon, 3. Nick Schonert, 4. Ernst van Rhyn, 5. Jonny Hill, 6. JL du Preez, 7. Sam Dugdale, 8. Dan du Preez.
Replacements:
16. Harry Thompson, 17. Ross Harrison, 18. James Harper, 19. Josh Beaumont, 20. Ben Bamber, 21. Rouban Birch, 22. Raffi Quirke, 23. Tom Curtis.
