Siya Kolisi will make his long-awaited return from injury against Edinburgh on Friday, but it’s the new-look Sharks midfield that has caught the eye.
Bok captain Kolisi has recovered from a calf injury and is set to make his 50th appearance for the Durban-based side after being named on the bench for their final away match of the regular season.
The 11th-placed Sharks head into the Hive Stadium clash with their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, and coach JP Pietersen has again been forced to navigate a growing injury list.
Springbok utility back Ethan Hooker is the latest casualty after suffering a dislocated shoulder against the Ospreys last week.
MORE: URC rules on Hooker incident
Pietersen has opted for continuity as there are just two changes to the starting side.
Veteran wing Makazole Mapimpi replaces Hooker, while captain André Esterhuizen shifts to outside centre alongside Siya Masuku in a new midfield partnership.
Teenage fullback Zekhethelo Siyaya retains his place after an impressive breakthrough performance against the Ospreys.
MONGALO: Sharks on deathbed but still alive
SHARKS – 15 Zekhethelo Siyaya, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 André Esterhuizen (c), 12 Siya Masuku, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jean Smith, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Emmanuel Tshituka, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Phatu Ganyane.
Bench: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Ox Nché, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Corné Rahl, 20 Nicholas Hatton, 21 Siya Kolisi, 22 Bradley Davids, 23 Marnus Potgieter.
The kids have taken over this week’s team release
@Vodacom #URC | #KidsRound pic.twitter.com/lzgd6KKWFp
— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) April 23, 2026
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
The post Siya back for Sharks, new role for André the Giant appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Siya Kolisi will make his long-awaited return from injury against Edinburgh on Friday, but it’s the new-look Sharks midfield that has caught the eye.
The post Siya back for Sharks, new role for André the Giant appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
