/ 14 April 1999

MCINTOSH RESTS HONIBALL

SPRINGBOK and Sharks flyhalf Henry Honiball may finally be given chance to recharge his batteries. An overworked Honiball failed to impress in the Super 12 rugby match against the Stormers at Newlands last Saturday – as was the case with Andre Joubert and Gary Teichmann. Coach Ian McIntosh admitted afterwards that he made a mistake by not resting “at least six of his players” after beating the Otago Highlanders a fortnight ago. McIntosh yesterday called up Mpumalanga Pumas flyhalf Jacques Benade in a 24-player squad for the match against the Northern Bulls at King’s Park on Saturday. Benade, who was drafted from the Pumas as a stand-in for Honiball at the beginning of the season, played in two Super 12 matches. He remained with the Sharks and his recall is an indication that Honiball would be rested. Teichmann and Joubert should be in the starting line-up, but both Springboks could be replaced in the second half – if the Sharks are on top – to give them a much-needed rest.