The rugby season keeps getting better for the Sharks with the news that three World Cup Springboks have returned to the squad for their match against the Lions on Saturday, including Bok skipper Siya Kolisi.
Kolisi and Vincent Koch will play off the bench at Ellis Park while Jaden Hendrikse slots into the starting lineup for Grant Williams, who is on the bench. Further encouraging news is coach John Plumtree’s ability to pick a relatively unchanged match-23 compared to the rest of the season where there were a handful of injuries after every match.
The two changes from the side that beat the Bulls are in the tight five where injured Trevor Nyakane is replaced by another former Bok in Ruan Dreyer while Deon Slabbert comes in for Corne Rahl at lock, with Vincent Tshituka continuing as captain.
The Sharks are up to fourth on the United Rugby Championship points table after bonus point wins over Cardiff (in Wales) and the Bulls (in Pretoria) in their last two matches, despite the injury woes they have suffered.
“What’s really rewarding for us is that the boys are believing in themselves and believing in our game model,” Plumtree said.
Sharks starting XV: 15 Jordan Hendrikse, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Lukhanyo Am, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Phespi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka (capt), 6 Tino Mavesere, 5 Jason Jenkins, 4 Deon Slabberet, 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu; Replacements: 16 Ethan Bester, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Lappies Labuschagne, 20 Siya Kolisi, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Francois Venter, 23 Eduan Keyter