Wing Mtungwa Mapantsela scored a brace as the Sharks beat Russia 45-21 in Durban on Friday.
The Sharks selected a young side consisting mostly of former SA Schools and ex-Junior Bok players. Front rowers Craig Burden and Juan Schoeman were the most experienced pair in the starting lineup.
Be that as it may, the hosts proved too strong for Russia, who should be commended for their fighting effort.
The Sharks outscored Russia three tries to two for a 19-14 lead at the break. But they pulled away in the second half.
Mapantsela, who played for Selborne College and SA Schools just last year, who is equally at home in the midfield as he is on the wing, was the star performer on the day with two well-taken tries.
Sharks – 15 Thaakir Abrahams, 1 4 Mtungwa
Mapantsela, 13 DJ Falconer, 12 Murray Koster, 11 Ayanda Kunene, 10
Jordan Chait, 9 Cameron Wright, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Celimpilo Gumede, 6
Evan Roos, 5 Jordan Sesink-Clee, 4 Lunga Ncube, 3 Kutha Mchunu, 2 Craig
Burden, 1 Juan Schoeman.
Subs: 16 Cullen van der Merwe, 17 Bundisa Ndlovu, 18 Michael Kumbirai,
19 Jandre Labuschagne, 20 Andisa Ntsila, 21 Kwanda Dimaza, 22 Grant
Williams, 23 Jaden Hendrikse, 24 Le Roux Malan, 25 Rynhardt Jonker, 26
Lwandile Menze.
