Rassie has made a number of rotational changes to the Bok side. Vincent Tshituka will get his first start in an official test after a storming game against the Barbarians. Damian Willemse and Handre Pollard will start at 15 and 10 respectively, with Jasper Wiese, Eben Etzebeth and Wilco Louw starting in the pack. Jesse Kriel retains the captaincy.
(more…)Vincent Tshituka will debut for the Boks against the Barbarians on Saturday. Apart from the half backs the Boks will feature a pretty experienced back line. Lood de Jager makes his return to the Boks, while Jean-Luc du Preez gets another opportunity at 8. Asenathi Ntlabakanye will anchor the scrum along with the Malcolm Marx and Ox Nche. The four players including Vincent who make their debut will not be capped though – as the game does not count as an official test.
I am disappointed not to see Ethan Hooker in the mix, but apparently Rassie wants to use this game to get the Japan based Boks some match practice.
(more…)This is worth a listen to get the perspective from the Sharks majority owner
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.
(more…)Rassie has picked a squad of 54 players for the upcoming games against the Barbarians, Italy and Georgia. Vincent Tshituka and Ethan Hooker are amongst the nine uncapped players selected.
(more…)Plum has been able to select a very strong team for the URC quarter final on Saturday. The only two first choice players unavailable due to injury is Grant Williams and Siya Masuku (who in my opinion should be the first choice half backs if available).
(more…)Ox will be back to face the Scarlets on Saturday, while Emile van Heerden comes back at lock along with Eben Etzebeth (who recovered from the knock on his knee). James Venter and Siya Kolisi both gets a break while Tino Mavesere comes into the team. Phepsi moves back to his favourite position at the back of the scrum. Nick Hatton comes onto the bench.
(more…)Eben Etzebeth is back to lead a pretty strong team for the Ospreys. Interestingly Dian Bleuler replaces Ox Nche (ill this week) in the starting team. Siya Masuku will start at 10 this week with Jordan Hendrikse dropping out completely.
Bad news is that Grant Williams is still being troubled by his neck injury and will be out for at least another two to three weeks.
(more…)Plum has rested most of his regular starters for the game against Lyon. Siya Masuku, Andre Esterhuizen, Francois Venter and Yaw Penxe will start with Emile van Heerden and Jurenzo Julius playing from the bench. Gerbrand Grobler is back from injury with Tino Masevere getting another opportunity. Nick Hatton will captain the team from 8.
(more…)Plum has made a few changes to the team that squeaked through against Zebre last week. James Venter starts at open side, Andre Esterhuizen starts at 12 with Ethan Hooker moving to 14 and Yaw Penxe to 15. Fortunately Siya Masuku is on the bench this week – so I expect to see him at 10 later in the game with Jordan moving back to 15.
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