The Sharks are mixing things up for their upcoming clash against the Scarlets at Kings Park this Saturday, with Eben Etzebeth stepping up as the new skipper. It's a tactical shuffle from the Sharks as they hope to rebound from their recent defeat at the hands of Ulster. Etzebeth, a towering figure in rugby, takes the reins from Vincent Tshituka in what could be seen as a strategic move to bolster the team's leadership amidst their struggles.
In the lineup, the Sharks are ringing in some changes. Emmanuel Tshituka is set to bulldoze his way from the bench to claim the No. 8 jersey, sending Phepsi Buthelezi to warm the bench. The backline sees a reshuffle due to Makazole Mapimpi's suspension; Edwill van der Merwe zips back to his usual spot on the wing while Jordan Hendrikse takes over the fullback responsibilities. Meanwhile, Lukhanyo Am will carve up the midfield at the 13 spot, with Jurenzo Julius stepping down to the bench.
"Sharks must play like a superstar team,"
insisted Andre Esterhuizen, highlighting the need for a robust performance this weekend.
The shake-up is not just in player positions but also in the overall game plan, as the Sharks seek to turn their fortunes around. The team list reads like a who’s who of rugby talent, promising a high-octane encounter:
SHARKS – 15 Jordan Hendrikse, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Emmanuel Tshituka, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Eben Etzebeth (c), 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche. Bench: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Cameron Dawson, 18 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 19 JJ Scheepers, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Jaden Hendrikse, 22 Jean Smith, 23 Jurenzo Julius.
With these strategic shifts, the Sharks are not just looking to win a game, but to make a statement. This Saturday, Kings Park won't just be a venue; it'll be the proving ground where the Sharks aim to show that their bite is as fearsome as their bark. Let's see if the Scarlets can handle the frenzy or if they'll end up being just another fish in the sea for the Sharks.
2,193 posts
The Sharks are mixing things up for their upcoming clash against the Scarlets at Kings Park this Saturday, with Eben Etzebeth stepping up as the new skipper. It's a tactical shuffle from the Sharks as they hope to rebound from their recent defeat at the hands of Ulster. Etzebeth, a towering figure in rugby, takes the reins from Vincent Tshituka in what could be seen as a strategic move to bolster the team's leadership amidst their struggles.
In the lineup, the Sharks are ringing in some changes. Emmanuel Tshituka is set to bulldoze his way from the bench to claim the No. 8 jersey, sending Phepsi Buthelezi to warm the bench. The backline sees a reshuffle due to Makazole Mapimpi's suspension; Edwill van der Merwe zips back to his usual spot on the wing while Jordan Hendrikse takes over the fullback responsibilities. Meanwhile, Lukhanyo Am will carve up the midfield at the 13 spot, with Jurenzo Julius stepping down to the bench.
"Sharks must play like a superstar team,"
insisted Andre Esterhuizen, highlighting the need for a robust performance this weekend.The shake-up is not just in player positions but also in the overall game plan, as the Sharks seek to turn their fortunes around. The team list reads like a who’s who of rugby talent, promising a high-octane encounter:
SHARKS – 15 Jordan Hendrikse, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Emmanuel Tshituka, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Eben Etzebeth (c), 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche. Bench: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Cameron Dawson, 18 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 19 JJ Scheepers, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Jaden Hendrikse, 22 Jean Smith, 23 Jurenzo Julius.
With these strategic shifts, the Sharks are not just looking to win a game, but to make a statement. This Saturday, Kings Park won't just be a venue; it'll be the proving ground where the Sharks aim to show that their bite is as fearsome as their bark. Let's see if the Scarlets can handle the frenzy or if they'll end up being just another fish in the sea for the Sharks.