Sharks coach JP Pietersen has restored several Springboks to his starting lineup for Saturday’s return clash against the Stormers in Durban.
The Sharks have the upper hand going into the rematch, having upset the Cape side 30-19 in Cape Town last weekend and handing them their first defeat of the Vodacom URC campaign.
The KwaZulu-Natalians have made several changes to their match 23, starting with a completely new front row of Ox Nche, Fez Mbatha and Hanro Jacobs, while Corne Rahl comes into the second row with Jason Jenkins shifting to the bench.
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Phepsi Buthelezi is the only loose forward retained from last week’s starting XV, with Siya Kolisi and Vincent Tshituka promoted after making an impact off the bench in Cape Town.
In the backline, Grant Williams starts at scrumhalf with Jaden Hendrikse moving to the replacements, while Edwill van der Merwe replaces Yaw Penxe on the wing.
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Bok hybrid Andre Esterhuizen leads the team again and says they are fully prepared for a Stormers backlash.
“We have a lot to improve on, we are working hard, but to know there is so much improvement ahead of us after the win last weekend is a good sign that we are on the right path,” he said.
“Last week was a tough and brutal game, but that’s a South African derby and you have to get up for everyone. We’re all in the right mindset, knowing that we can’t just give a once-off performance like that, we must back it up this weekend again.”
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With a break looming after Saturday’s clash, Esterhuizen says motivation will not be lacking.
“Everyone wants to go into that break in a good way; there is massive motivation for this weekend.”
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SHARKS – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Ethan Hooker, 12 Andre Esterhuizen (c), 11 Jaco Williams, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Ox Nche.
Bench: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Phatu Ganyane, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Jason Jenkins, 20 Nick Hatton, 21 Jaden Hendrikse, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Jurenzo Julius.
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
The post Sharks load up on Boks for Stormers rematch appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Sharks coach JP Pietersen has restored several Springboks to his starting lineup for Saturday’s return clash against the Stormers in Durban.
The post Sharks load up on Boks for Stormers rematch appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
