A good game on Friday for former Springbok lock Phillip Schutte could see him catapulted back into the limelight and a place in the Sharks' Super 12 squad.

Schutte is one of four Border Bulldog players who will turn out for a Sharks XV against the Wildebeest in a friendly at Absa Stadium. The others are flank Bennie Jacobs (already selected), and new signings Deon Carstens (prop) and Solly Goosen (flyhalf).

In the main trial match of the evening, the Sharks tackle the Cats. Coach Rudolf Straeuli has clearly not placed all his eggs in one basket and has to a certain degree mixed his two teams well, concentrating on combinations.

Schutte, who played in Tests against Scotland and Wales in 1994, said on Thursday from Durban he was about 10 per cent off the others' pace when it came to fitness. Prior to joining the Bulldogs last season, Schutte had a two-year layoff from rugby, but was enticed back to the game under then Bulldog coach Straeuli.

The towering lock's presence and experience went a long way in instilling confidence in the Bulldogs last year and should he find favour, it will trigger a remarkable comeback in Schutte's long career.

He was reluctant to say what his chances were of being drafted into the Sharks squad. "It would not be right for me to forecast anything, but I realise the game (against the Wildebeest) is important for me, as well as other fringe players.

"Another match against the Wildebeest has been scheduled for next Wednesday and if I am asked to remain in Durban for that match, it will be a good sign," he said.

He said even if not originally chosen, he would not be too disappointed. "Look, it's a long, arduous competition and injuries and lack of form is a factor. If not originally picked, I may well get my chance at a later stage," he said.

The former Northern Transvaal stalwart said he thought Straeuli would be looking at adding an extra flyhalf and frontrow player to his squad. "Carstens is a bit young and has not played at this level, but he's strong and a good prospect and he may just make it," he said.

Carstens is a former South African under-21 representative, while Goosen is a classy flyhalf/fullback with Currie Cup experience with the North West Leopards. - Sapa