The Sharks still have a chance to win the SA Shield (as pointed out by QuickDraw wins are considered ahead of points difference – so the Sharks just need a win)- that is if they could be bothered to show up (mentally) on Saturday.
Ox Nche, Vincent Kock, Emile van Heerden and Siya Kolisi should add some power to the pack. Henry Immelman will make his Sharks URC debut at fullback in place of Jordan Hendrikse who moves to flyhalf (Siya Masuke injured).
(more…)The Sharks will welcome back Jaden Hendrikse, Vincent Koch and Siya Kolisi, but unfortunately there is still no sign of the other big guns such as Andre Esterhuizen, Eben Etzebeth (must be a serious worry for Rassie by now) and Ox Nche.
(more…)The Sharks will be missing 7 Boks when taking on the Bulls at Loftus on Saturday. I am not exactly sure why Jaden Hendrikse needs a rest as he has not really played a lot over the last year.
I am especially concerned for the scrums where Wilco Louw and Gerhard Steenkamp have been destroying opposition scrums at will. Ntuthuko Mchunu has improved of late but he and Trevor is going to have a real tough battle.
(more…)The Sharks have now also lost Vincent Koch, Jordan Hendrikse and Makazole Mapimpi due to failing HIA tests. This is partially offset by James Venter, Grant Williams and Lukhanyo Am returning to the squad. Eben is unfortunately still not available.
It is going to be a tough two weeks for the Sharks. The players need to keep showing the commitment they have so far but the decision making needs to improve drastically. Some of the tactics also need a bit of a rethink.
(more…)Bongi is back to strengthen the Sharks pack but unfortunately Eben has not been declared fit. Vincent Tshituka has at least been selected on the bench to add some grunt later in the game.
(more…)Jordan Hendrikse will start against Wales next to his brother. Rassie has kept the rest of the backline that played against England. Bongi and PSDT are rested. Jean Kleyn and Franco Mostert starts with Eben and RG moving to the bench. Johan Grobbelaar will get another start at hooker.
(more…)Rassie has dropped Thomas du Toit, Franco Mostert, Marco van Staden, Jaden Hendrikse, Willie le Roux, Canan Moodie, Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen and Makazole Mapimpi. Wilco Louw will start at tight head with a number of players dropping to the bench and a rested (but probably rusty) back line outside of Grant Williams.
(more…)Rassie has decided to rest a number of his first choice players against Scotland (De Allende, Kriel, Kolbe, KLA and Fassi) and has benched a further three (PSDT, Kolisi and Wiese). The plan is clear to bludgeon Scotland up front as Grant Williams is the sole back on the bench also loaded with Marx, Steenekamp, Koch and RG Snyman
(more…)The Boks will depart this coming Sunday for a training camp in Jersey to prepare for the upcoming tests against Scotland, England and Wales. Hopefully the Shark Boks will be available for the game against Munster this Saturday.
(more…)Plum has selected all the available Boks for the game against the Warriors on Saturday. Siya Kolisi makes a return to the Sharks but interestingly Eben Etzebeth will captain the team. Jordan Hendrikse moves to flyhalf with Siya Masuku demoted to the bench. Grant Williams makes a welcome return to the bench.
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