Another youngster at fullback

JPP has selected an 18 year old to start at fullback against the Ospreys in Wales. Hopefully Zekhethelo Siyaya will have as good a debut as Luan Giliomee had. The coach is using Ox Nche and Vincent Koch as a mini bomb squad for later in the game. Jean Smith will get another chance next to Jaden Hendrikse.

The Sharks have been badly hit by injuries. The match against Connacht alone resulted in fresh injuries to Eben Etzebeth, Ethan Bester, Hakeem Kunene and Deon Slabbert.

In order to sneak in at 8th position, they have to win every single remaining game in the URC plus win a couple with bonus points. Personally I am over qualification and would rather see the squad and the coaching team developing their game and plans over the remaining period. Just looking at the quality on display in the Champions Cup quarter finals, we still have a log way to go.

Phatu Ganyane
Fez Mbatha
Hanro Jacobs
Jason Jenkins
Emile van Heerden
Phepsi Buthelezi
Vincent Tshituka
Manu Tshituka
Jaden Hendrikse
Jean Smith
Ethan Hooker
Andre Esterhuizen (Captain)
Le Roux Malan
Edwill van der Merwe
Zekhethelo Siyaya*

Replacements

Eduan Swart
Ox Nche
Vincent Koch
Corne Rahl
Nick Hatton
Bradley Davids
Siya Masuku
Jurenzo Julius

Injury List

Aphelele Fassi, Bongi Mbonambi, Bryce Calvert, Coetzee le Roux, Deon Slabbert, Ethan Bester, Eben Etzebeth, Francois Venter, Grant Williams, Hakeem Kunene, Jordan Hendrikse, Jaco Williams, Luan Giliomee, Marvin Orie, Matt Romao, Mawanda Mdanda, Ruan Dreyer, Simphiwe Matanzima, Thomas Dyer, Trevor Nyakane, Yaw Penxe