Rising star Luan Giliomee set for Sharks debut against Munster amid backline injury crisis

A new face will feature in the Sharks backline when they take on Munster at Kings Park this Saturday (5pm kick-off), as 19-year-old Luan Giliomee prepares to make his United Rugby Championship (URC) debut.

Sharks coach JP Pietersen confirmed that injuries in the backline, including a hamstring issue for Jordan Hendrikse, have opened the door for Giliomee to start at full-back.

“Luan is a talented kid,” Pietersen said during an online media conference after naming his team. “He’s done well with the Blitzboks, is part of the SA Under-20 mix, and now he gets a great opportunity to show what he can do against Munster.”

Giliomee’s rise has been rapid. He scored his first Springbok Sevens try with a sniping run against Spain in Perth, as the Blitzboks began a winning surge that ultimately led to the series title, having made his first appearance on the circuit just a week earlier in Singapore.

Pietersen highlighted the versatility of the former SA Schools and Sharks Under-21 standout from Ceres in the Western Cape.

“Gili is a talented player. He can play nine, 10 or fullback. He’s got vision, understands the game well, is strong under the high ball and sees the play ahead. He has a good kicking game, and we’re excited to see what he can showcase on Saturday,” he said.

“Hopefully everything goes well for him, he has a couple of good touches and puts in a solid performance.”

With the Sharks backline depleted by injuries, the youngster has been gifted the chance to cement his place and lay the foundation for what could be a promising career.

Sharks

15 Luan Giliomee; 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Ethan Hooker, 12 Andre Esterhuizen (capt), 11 Makazole Mapimpi,10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Phatu Ganyane.

Replacements: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Nick Hatton, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Jean Smith, 23 Hakeem Kunene