Seeing as Ethan Hooker, Makazole Mapimpi, Bongi Mbonambi and Vincent Koch were already in the UK with the Boks, Plum has called up some of the Sharks Boks. Siya Masuku is also returning to the bench.
I assume Siya Kolisi, Ox Nche and Eben Etzebeth are all rested, but not sure why Grant Williams is also not available.
(more…)Plum has kept the same starting pack, but has made four changes to the back line. Jaden Hendrikse has moved back to scrumhalf with Jean Smith starting. Lukhanyo Am moves to inside centre with Jurenzo Julius starting at 13. PK Sobahle starts at 14 with Edwill van der Merwe moving to full back.
This is a game the Sharks can really target to win even with all the disruptions to their team.
(more…)Deon Slabbert will start at lock for the Sharks (even though he was not named in the official squad) along new signing Marvin Orie. Jaden Hendrikse will start at 10 with another new signing Edwill van der Merwe at 14. Jean Smith may get some game time later in the game against his father’s team. There is no scrumhalf cover on the bench as the Sharks have two scrumhalves starting.
(more…)The Sharks touring squad for the first three URC games has been announced. Due to injuries the squad will be without 5 locks (Coetzee le Roux, Corne Rahl, Emile van Heerden, Gideon Koegelenberg and Jason Jenkins) and 2 flyhalves (Jordan Hendrikse and Siya Masuku). Additionally Eben Etzebeth (along with Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi, Vincent Kock, Siya Kolisi, Grant Williams, Ethan Hooker, Makazole Mapimpi and Andre Esterhuizen) is with the Boks. Fortunately the Sharks have the services of Marvin Orie with Bathobele Hlekani and Vincent Tshituka who can also fill in at lock. Jean Smith is the only recognized flyhalf in that squad although Jaden Hendrikse can also fill in there.
The Sharks will face Glasgow (26 September), Dragons (3 October) and Leinster (11 October). Tough tour coming up.
(more…)The Sharks will play the Stormers in George on Friday night. Hlekani will partner Jason Jenkins at lock with Jaden and Siya running the back line. Lukhanyo Am starts at 13. It is great to see Edwill van der Merwe on the bench but I have a feeling he will be called up to the Boks when they return from New Zealand. Ross Braude recently from the Pumas is a new face for the Sharks on the bench.
(more…)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…)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…)The Hollywoodbets Sharks selected the strongest available team to play against Ulster at Kingspan Stadium on Saturday and will be looking for nothing less than a victory in their last away game before the Vodacom United Rugby Championship play-offs.
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