No Eben and Jenkins for Bulls
Unfortunately the Sharks have lost both Eben Etzebeth and Jason Jenkins for the semi-final against the Bulls. With these players behind the Bok front row, the Sharks would have been competitive against the Bulls scrum. Without their power it is going to be much tougher. Also their contributions in general play will be missed.
Apart from the locks the Sharks have kept the rest of the starting team, with Deon Slabbert coming onto the bench and Jurenzo Julius replacing Francois Venter.
Anything is possible but the Bulls will be clear favourites for this game. Siya (who has also been in poor form) will have to lead from the front and the half backs will need to make much better decisions.
There was still a lack in fluency between players passing and catching in the Munster game, making the attack slow down when it needs to speed up. This is really a long term issue for the Sharks and one week’s training is not going to fix this. However the players need to reduce the dropped balls if they want any hope of winning.
- Ox Nche
- Bongi Mbonambi
- Vincent Koch
- Corne’ Rahl
- Emile van Heerden
- James Venter
- Vincent Tshituka
- Siya Kolisi (Captain)
- Jaden Hendrikse
- Jordan Hendrikse
- Makazole Mapimpi
- Andre Esterhuizen
- Lukhanyo Am
- Ethan Hooker
- Aphelele Fassi
Replacements
- Fez Mbatha
- Ntuthuko Mchunu
- Hanro Jacobs
- Deon Slabbert
- Phepsi Buthelezi
- Bradley Davids
- Jurenzo Julius
- Yaw Penxe