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.
(more…)For the first time in six months John Plumtree was able to select his strongest possible side to face Edinburgh in Scotland on Friday evening.
(more…)A very strong touring squad was selected to face Edinburgh on Friday night (20h35) in Scotland and Ulster Saturday 26 April (at 20h35) in Ireland, before returning home for their last two group games.
(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.
(more…)Eben Etzebeth has still not been cleared to play (Lambie situation developing here?), but the Sharks have welcomed back Vincent Tshituka and Makazole Mapimpi in the starting team plus Andre Esterhuizen from the bench. Unfortunately Grant Williams is out injured – so Jaden Hendrikse will start next to his brother with Bradley Davids on the bench.
(more…)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).
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