Sharks missing Boks for Lions

The Sharks will take on the Lions at Ellis Park without a number of Bok players (e.g. Ox, Bongi, Siya, Grant, Andre, Ethan) due to rest protocols. Edwill van der Merwe and Aphelele Fassi will start with Vincent Koch on the bench. Thomas Dyer will get his second start for the Sharks at the back of the scrum. Interestingly Jurenzo Julius has been selected at inside centre and Francois Venter at outside.

Historically the Sharks start slowly after a long break – hopefully JPP can get the team to gel quicker this time. The weather will be great for running rugby with a very low chance of rain.

Both teams are just below the top 8 (Sharks at 9th and the Lions at 10th) and will be desperate to break into the top 8. We can expect a very motivated Lions team (after the embarrassing hiding they took against the Bulls) and the Sharks will have to play out of their socks.

1. Phatu Ganyane
2. Fez Mbatha
3. Hanro Jacobs
4. Corne Rahl
5. Jason Jenkins
6. Tino Mavesere
7. Vincent Tshituka (C)
8. Thomas Dyer
9. Jaden Hendrikse
10. Siya Masuku
11. Jaco Williams
12. Jurenzo Julius
13. Francois Venter
14. Edwill van der Merwe
15. Aphelele Fassi

Replacements

16. Eduan Swart
17. Cameron Dawson
18. Vincent Koch
19. Emile van Heerden
20. Phepsi Buthelezi
21. Ross Braude
22. Jordan Hendrikse
23. Yaw Penxe