Coach JP Pietersen is banking on a new halfback combination to give the Sharks more bite against the Cheetahs at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium on Saturday. SIMON BORCHARDT reports.

The Sharks head into their first home fixture at the bottom of the Currie Cup log after big defeats to the Lions (46-3) and Vodacom Bulls (64-0).

Pietersen has responded by rejigging his starting XV, while continuing to back youth in the absence of their URC stars and injecting some experience into the backline.

Hooker Jacques Marais, lock Gideon Koegelenberg and Junior Boks flank Matt Romao come into the pack, with hooker Willem van den Hever keeping his spot on the bench.

In the backline, highly rated Junior Boks flyhalf Vusi Moyo earns his first start, with Marnus Potgieter, Diego Appollis and Yaw Penxe adding experience around him.

TEAM: Sharks bring in backline experience

“[Hooker] Willem [van den Hever] was thrown into the deep end last week after a late change,” said Pietersen. “He’s a good player and we’re excited to see what he can bring with some better prep this week. We definitely need someone who can bring energy, who’s good in loose play and who can score tries for us.

“With Moyo [at 10], we’re just trying a new [halfback] combination with Brad [Davids] – and [Jean] Smith and Ceano [Everson] coming off the bench. We want to see if they can ignite the team and give us more attacking opportunities or something that can spark the team.

“We don’t have a lot of time [to find the right mix], it’s a one-round competition and we hardly had a pre-season,” he added.

Earlier this week, Bulls coach Phiwe Nomlomo said unions needed to be “smarter” about how they approach the Currie Cup, but Pietersen defended the Sharks’ strategy.

“Each union has its own plan,” he said. “If you look at us and Western Province, we’ve gone with youth because we’re trying to build depth for the URC, because we know it’s a long competition. The Bulls and Lions have taken a different route, but time will tell which is right.”

BULLS COACH: Other unions can be smarter

Saturday’s clash against the Cheetahs will also mark the Sharks’ return to Clermont as part of a move to take rugby into township communities.

“It’s a great initiative,” said Pietersen. “We’re taking the game to the people and hopefully inspiring future Springboks. The guys are excited – there’s been good energy in training and we’re looking forward to seeing what this team can do at home.”

PREVIEW: WP, Sharks aim to stop Currie Cup slide

The Cheetahs head into the fixture with confidence after beating the Pumas 42-25 in Bloemfontein last weekend.

“They want to play fast and they’ve got a solid set piece,” said Pietersen. “We know they’re going to test us physically, but as a group of young men, we have to front up and stand tall.”

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images