A key member in the pack and leader has been ruled out for the Sharks as the Durbanites chase a first Vodacom URC final against the Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday.
The Sharks head to Loftus Versfeld riding high after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Munster in Durban last week, but head coach John Plumtree has to do without skipper Eben Etzebeth for the semi-final clash with the Herd.
Etzebeth was injured at training this week, so Corne Rahl has replaced the two-time Springbok world champion in the second row, while Siya Kolisi takes over the captaincy.
Lock Emile van Heerden also comes in for Jason Jenkins, who hasn’t recovered from a knock. Deon Slabbert takes up a spot on the bench, along with centre Jurenzo Julius for Francois Venter. The rest of the lineup remains unchanged.
Jake White’s Bulls dispatched Edinburgh to book a successive home semi, and boast a strong Loftus record against the Sharks in the URC (3-2).
However, recent form favours Plumtree’s men, who claimed both league meetings this season, including a 29-19 upset in Pretoria.
SHARKS – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Siya Kolisi (c), 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 James Venter, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.
Bench: 16. Fez Mbatha, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Deon Slabbert, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Jurenzo Julius, 23 Yaw Penxe.
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
The post Sharks lose Bok champ for Loftus clash appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
A key member in the pack and leader has been ruled out for the Sharks as the Durbanites chase a first @Vodacom #URC final against the Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday.
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