Sharks Face Bath: Team News Preview
The Gallagher Premiership returns to the CorpAcq Stadium on Sunday 29th March. Kick-off is scheduled for 3pm. Sharks will host reigning champions Bath.
This Sharks face Bath team news preview focuses on selection, tactics and matchday details. Several England internationals are back after the Six Nations. Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson has named a strong side.
Team selection
Four England internationals start for the Sharks. Bevan Rodd, George Ford, Tom Roebuck and Luke Cowan-Dickie all return.
There are positional changes and academy inclusions. Nathan Jibulu moves to openside flanker. Rob du Preez is restored to outside centre.
- 15. Joe Carpenter
- 14. Tom Roebuck
- 13. Rob du Preez
- 12. Rekeiti Ma’asi-White
- 11. Arron Reed
- 10. George Ford
- 9. Raffi Quirke
- 1. Bevan Rodd
- 2. Luke Cowan-Dickie
- 3. James Harper
- 4. Ernst van Rhyn (captain)
- 5. Ben Bamber
- 6. Sam Dugdale
- 7. Nathan Jibulu
- 8. Jacques Vermeulen
Replacements
The bench blends youth and experience. Two academy props have been named among the replacements.
- 16. Ethan Caine
- 17. Ralph McEachran
- 18. Tye Raymont
- 19. Dan du Preez
- 20. Jos Gilmore
- 21. Gus Warr
- 22. Marius Louw
- 23. Tom O’Flaherty
Tactical context and coach comments
Sanderson warned the side must start strongly. He wants better beginnings than in the Exeter game.
Bath are in title form. They put more than 60 points on Saracens last weekend.
The Sharks must control turnovers. Bath lead the Premiership in scoring from transition. Limiting quick counterattacks will be vital.
Key talking points
- Nathan Jibulu plays at openside, a less familiar role for him.
- Rob du Preez returns to 13 after covering fly-half earlier in the season.
- Tye Raymont and Ralph McEachran provide front-row cover from the academy.
- Raffi Quirke continues at scrum-half with George Ford at ten.
- Tom Roebuck resumes his place on the right wing.
Fans can expect a competitive encounter at the CorpAcq Stadium. The match will test Sharks’ discipline and ball security.
