Paul Hoffmann, who has played 52 matches for the Pumas, could face his old teammates in when he turns out for the Natal Sharks in the Absa Currie Cup rugby tournament on Saturday afternoon.
He has been included on the reserve bench by coach Kevin Putt for the all-important home match for the Sharks and could be given a run at some stage.
Hoffman is no stranger to Natal, having played for the Natal Wildebeest in the Vodacom Cup last year.
In a wing change, the exciting prospect Henno Mentz gets his first run for the Sharks. For equally exciting flanker Solly Tyibilka, however, it is likely to be an impact start for him this time around as Luke Watson returns after injury and is Putt’s first preference.
Putt has maintained his faith in his centre pairing of Trevor Halstead and Deon Kayser in a bid to register the Sharks’ third win in a row after taking maximum points from the SWD Eagles and Griqualand West thus far.
The Sharks lineup is:
15.Ricardo Loubscher, 14 Stephen Brink, 13 Deon Kayser, 12 Trevor Halstead, 11. Henno Mentz, 10.Butch James 9.Dave von Hoesslin 8. Brad Macleod-Henderson 7.Charl van Rensburg 6.Luke Watson 5.Philip Smit 4 AJ Venter 3.Brendon Botha 2 John Smit (Captain) 1 Eduard Coetzee Reserves 16. Paul Hoffman 17 Deon Carstens 18 Shaun Sowerby (captain) 19 Solly Tyibilika, 20 Ryan Walker 21 Rudi Keil 22 Justin Swart
Marc de Marigny (Leg), Etienne Fynn (Back), ie le Roux (Lower Back) and Albert van den Berg (Bone bruise) were not considered because of injury. – Sapa