Coach JP Pietersen has named six returning Springboks in his match 23 for Saturday’s URC clash against Leinster at Kings Park.
Winger Edwill van der Merwe, centre André Esterhuizen and prop Thomas du Toit go straight into the starting XV, while prop Ox Nché, lock Eben Etzebeth and utility back Ethan Hooker will provide Bok firepower from the bench.
Esterhuizen replaces Murray Koster at inside centre and takes over the captaincy, with Van der Merwe coming in for Suleiman Hartzenberg on the right wing.
There are three changes to the pack that started last week’s win against the Ospreys. Jason Jenkins is promoted from the bench to replace Corné Rahl at lock, while Esethu Mnebelele moves into the starting lineup at hooker in place of Eduan Swart. Du Toit takes over from Phatu Ganyane at loosehead prop.
Leinster won last season’s meeting between the sides in Dublin (31-5), as well as the previous clash in Durban (10-7) during the 2024-25 campaign despite selecting an understrength team.
SHARKS – 15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 André Esterhuizen (c), 11 Lili Bester, 10 Vusi Moyo, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Nick Hatton, 7 Manu Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Darrien Landsberg, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Esethu Mnebelele, 1 Thomas du Toit.
Bench: 16 Ethan Bester, 17 Ox Nché, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Eben Etzebeth, 20 Matt Romao, 21 Ivan van Zyl, 22 Zekhethelo Siyaya, 23 Ethan Hooker.
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
The post Sharks aim Bok big guns at Leinster appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Coach JP Pietersen has named six returning Springboks in his match 23 for Saturday’s URC clash against Leinster at Kings Park.
The post Sharks aim Bok big guns at Leinster appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
