JPP has been able to select close to his strongest squad for the rematch against the Stormers at Kings Park. Fez Mbatha is back playing between Ox Nche and Hanro Jacobs. Jason Jenkins moves to the bench with Corne Rahl starting. Phepsi starts in the number 8 jersey along Vincent Tshituka and Siya Kolisi. Grant Williams and Jaden Hendrikse swap jerseys this week with Edwill van der Merwe making his return to the team.
(more…)JPP has selected some of his best players on the bench (e.g. Ox, Vincent Tshituka, Grant Williams, Siya Kolisi). Phepsi has been selected at 6 whereas IMO he is our best 8. Jaco Williams gets another opportunity at 11 with Yaw Penxe / PK Sobahle bracketed for the other wing.
(more…)Ox Nche is back to strengthen the Sharks scrum after surviving a hammering by the Bulls scrum two weeks ago. Likewise Aphelele Fassi makes a welcome return to the 15 jersey (Hakeem Kunene had a very good game against the Bulls). Phepsi drops to the bench with Manu Tshituka coming back into the team.
(more…)Coach JPP has gone for continuity with two changes – Hakeem Kunene coming on for Aphelele Fassi (concussion) and Jordan Hendrikse starting with George Whitehead dropping to the bench.
(more…)The Sharks have roped in George Whitehead from the Griquas to play at 10. Matt Ramao will make his URC debut. The Sharks have Edwill van der Merwe and Makazole Mapimpi on the wing with Grant Williams on the bench. Jason Jenkins and Martin Orie makes up a very decent lock combination with Hanro Jacobs making a welcome return to the front row.
(more…)Plum should thank Rassie, because all the Boks will still be available for the Sharks this weekend before departing to the UK. Hopefully the players will show a bit more cohesion.
A few minor changes have been made to the starting team with Phepsi dropping to the bench and Manu Tshituka starting. Mapimpi has copped a 5 week ban for his tip tackle – so Edwill takes his jersey with Jordan Hendrikse moving to full back. Jurenzo Julius drops to the bench and Lukhanyo Am starts in his spot.
(more…)Plum has selected all of his available Boks for the game against Ulster. This team can be very competitive at home depending on how long they take to gel. The Sharks scrum was pretty dominant against Leinster (although it took a while for the ref to agree) – this week the scrum should even be a lot better. The Bok end of year tour starts on 1 November against Japan in London – so this will most likely be the only chance for Plum to use his Boks until December / January.
(more…)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.
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