Sharks coach JP Pietersen has opted to rest many of his Springboks for Saturday’s Vodacom URC match against the Lions at Ellis Park.
Vincent Tshituka captains an impressive-looking side despite missing several Boks due to player welfare rest protocols. Regular captain Andre Esterhuizen, Ox Nche, Siya Kolisi, Ethan Hooker and Grant Williams are therefore unavailable with Eben Etzebeth still suspended and Bongi Mbonambi injured.
The bench still boasts some serious pedigree though, with Springboks Vincent Koch, Phepsi Buthelezi and Jordan Hendrikse primed to make an impact.
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The Sharks are chasing more than just derby bragging rights on Saturday.
With the Vodacom URC resuming, the Durban-based side head to Johannesburg sitting ninth on the log – within touching distance of the top eight and firmly in the hunt to retain the SA Shield.
A win worth four or five log points would see the Sharks leapfrog the Ospreys into the top eight while also securing the SA Shield for a second successive season.
The Lions, despite their inconsistency this season, remain a dangerous outfit at home. But the Sharks are in a buoyant mood following two consecutive wins over the Stormers before the break.
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SHARKS – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Francois Venter, 12 Jurenzo Julius, 11 Jaco Williams, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Thomas Dyer, 7 Vincent Tshituka (c), 6 Tino Mavesere, 5 Jason Jenkins, 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Phatu Ganyane.
Bench: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Cameron Dawson, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Emile van Heerden, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Ross Braude, 22 Jordan Hendrikse, 23 Yaw Penxe.
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
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