The Sharks are doubling down with a Springbok-laden line-up as they desperately seek their first victory of the United Rugby Championship season against the Scarlets. Despite a rocky start, head coach John Plumtree has tweaked his squad minimally, making just three changes to the starting XV from their last disappointing outing against Ulster.
In a significant shake-up, Jordan Hendrikse is set to replace the suspended Makazole Mapimpi, donning the number 15 jersey as Edwill van der Merwe returns to his familiar wing position. The back three is rounded out by Ethan Hooker in the number 11 jumper, ensuring speed and agility on the flanks.
The midfield sees Andre Esterhuizen continue to partner with Lukhanyo Am, while Jurenzo Julius moves to the bench, making way for this strategic realignment. The halfback pairing remains unchanged with Grant Williams and Siya Masuku orchestrating the play from behind.
The pack sees a solitary switch with Emmanuel Tshituka stepping in at number eight, side-by-side with his brother Vincent, and team captain Siya Kolisi, forming a formidable back-row trio. This adjustment means Phepsi Buthelezi will mark his 100th Sharks cap from the bench in what promises to be a milestone game for him.
The front row remains an all-Springbok affair with stalwarts Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi, and Vincent Koch laying a solid foundation. The second-row partnership of Eben Etzebeth and Marvin Orie continues, with Etzebeth also taking on the captaincy in a strategic leadership tweak.
"We need to take a long, hard look in the mirror,"
Plumtree remarked on the recent performance woes, hinting at a critical self-assessment within the squad ahead of the crucial clash.
Changes extend to the bench where Cameron Dawson and Lee-Marvin Mazibuko come in as prop cover, and JJ Scheepers steps in for Bathobele Hlekani. Jaden Hendrikse and Jean Smith round out the replacements, ensuring fresh legs and strategic options are available throughout the match.
The Sharks are set to face off against the Scarlets with the following lineup:
Starting XV: Jordan Hendrikse, Edwill van der Merwe, Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Ethan Hooker, Siya Masuku, Grant Williams, Emmanuel Tshituka, Vincent Tshituka, Siya Kolisi (c), Marvin Orie, Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche.
Replacements: Fez Mbatha, Cameron Dawson, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Bathobele Hlekani, Phepsi Buthelezi, Jaden Hendrikse, Jean Smith, Jurenzo Julius.
As the Sharks gear up for this pivotal match, all eyes will be on whether this Springbok-heavy squad can turn their season around under the renewed leadership of Etzebeth and the strategic acumen of Plumtree.
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The Sharks are doubling down with a Springbok-laden line-up as they desperately seek their first victory of the United Rugby Championship season against the Scarlets. Despite a rocky start, head coach John Plumtree has tweaked his squad minimally, making just three changes to the starting XV from their last disappointing outing against Ulster.
In a significant shake-up, Jordan Hendrikse is set to replace the suspended Makazole Mapimpi, donning the number 15 jersey as Edwill van der Merwe returns to his familiar wing position. The back three is rounded out by Ethan Hooker in the number 11 jumper, ensuring speed and agility on the flanks.
The midfield sees Andre Esterhuizen continue to partner with Lukhanyo Am, while Jurenzo Julius moves to the bench, making way for this strategic realignment. The halfback pairing remains unchanged with Grant Williams and Siya Masuku orchestrating the play from behind.
The pack sees a solitary switch with Emmanuel Tshituka stepping in at number eight, side-by-side with his brother Vincent, and team captain Siya Kolisi, forming a formidable back-row trio. This adjustment means Phepsi Buthelezi will mark his 100th Sharks cap from the bench in what promises to be a milestone game for him.
The front row remains an all-Springbok affair with stalwarts Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi, and Vincent Koch laying a solid foundation. The second-row partnership of Eben Etzebeth and Marvin Orie continues, with Etzebeth also taking on the captaincy in a strategic leadership tweak.
"We need to take a long, hard look in the mirror,"
Plumtree remarked on the recent performance woes, hinting at a critical self-assessment within the squad ahead of the crucial clash.Changes extend to the bench where Cameron Dawson and Lee-Marvin Mazibuko come in as prop cover, and JJ Scheepers steps in for Bathobele Hlekani. Jaden Hendrikse and Jean Smith round out the replacements, ensuring fresh legs and strategic options are available throughout the match.
The Sharks are set to face off against the Scarlets with the following lineup:
Starting XV: Jordan Hendrikse, Edwill van der Merwe, Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Ethan Hooker, Siya Masuku, Grant Williams, Emmanuel Tshituka, Vincent Tshituka, Siya Kolisi (c), Marvin Orie, Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche.
Replacements: Fez Mbatha, Cameron Dawson, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Bathobele Hlekani, Phepsi Buthelezi, Jaden Hendrikse, Jean Smith, Jurenzo Julius.
As the Sharks gear up for this pivotal match, all eyes will be on whether this Springbok-heavy squad can turn their season around under the renewed leadership of Etzebeth and the strategic acumen of Plumtree.