The Sharks are gearing up for a monumental rematch in the United Rugby Championship this Saturday, and they're not coming lightly, boasting a reinforced line-up featuring the return of Springboks stars including Siya Kolisi. After a decisive 30-19 win against the previously undefeated Stormers in Cape Town, the Sharks are determined to double down on their victory in Durban.
Interim head coach JP Pietersen has shaken up his squad, making several strategic changes. Notably, Springboks captain Siya Kolisi and players like Edwill van der Merwe, Grant Williams, Vincent Tshituka, and Ox Nche have been promoted to the starting XV. The backline sees Van der Merwe and Williams stepping in, joining forces with Aphelele Fassi and the young Jaco Williams. The half-back roles will be manned by Williams alongside Jordan Hendrikse, with Andre Esterhuizen and Ethan Hooker continuing as centres.
In the forward pack, Phepsi Buthelezi transitions to number eight, allowing Kolisi to don the number six jersey. Tshituka will feature on the blindside flank, replacing his brother Manu. The second-row sees a new pairing with Corne Rahl and Emile van Heerden, while the front row is revamped with Nche, Fez Mbatha, and Hanro Jacobs starting.
"We have a lot to improve on, we are working hard, but to know there is so much improvement ahead of us after the win last weekend is a good sign that we are on the right path,"
said Andre Esterhuizen, reflecting on the team's performance and the challenges ahead.
Esterhuizen also shed light on the team dynamics under Pietersen's coaching, emphasizing the importance of a consistent performance and the motivational high the team rides on.
"Last week was a tough and brutal game, but that’s a South African derby and you have to get up for everyone. We’re all in the right mindset, knowing that we can’t just give a once-off performance like that, we must back it up this weekend again."
With the Six Nations break looming, securing another win against the Stormers is crucial for the Sharks.
The team lineup for the Sharks is as follows: Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Ethan Hooker, 12 Andre Esterhuizen (c), 11 Jaco Williams, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Ox Nche. Replacements: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Phatu Ganyane, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Jason Jenkins, 20 Nick Hatton, 21 Jaden Hendrikse, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Jurenzo Julius. The match is set for Saturday, January 31, at Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban, with a kick-off at 17:00 local time.
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The Sharks are gearing up for a monumental rematch in the United Rugby Championship this Saturday, and they're not coming lightly, boasting a reinforced line-up featuring the return of Springboks stars including Siya Kolisi. After a decisive 30-19 win against the previously undefeated Stormers in Cape Town, the Sharks are determined to double down on their victory in Durban.
Interim head coach JP Pietersen has shaken up his squad, making several strategic changes. Notably, Springboks captain Siya Kolisi and players like Edwill van der Merwe, Grant Williams, Vincent Tshituka, and Ox Nche have been promoted to the starting XV. The backline sees Van der Merwe and Williams stepping in, joining forces with Aphelele Fassi and the young Jaco Williams. The half-back roles will be manned by Williams alongside Jordan Hendrikse, with Andre Esterhuizen and Ethan Hooker continuing as centres.
In the forward pack, Phepsi Buthelezi transitions to number eight, allowing Kolisi to don the number six jersey. Tshituka will feature on the blindside flank, replacing his brother Manu. The second-row sees a new pairing with Corne Rahl and Emile van Heerden, while the front row is revamped with Nche, Fez Mbatha, and Hanro Jacobs starting.
"We have a lot to improve on, we are working hard, but to know there is so much improvement ahead of us after the win last weekend is a good sign that we are on the right path,"
said Andre Esterhuizen, reflecting on the team's performance and the challenges ahead.Esterhuizen also shed light on the team dynamics under Pietersen's coaching, emphasizing the importance of a consistent performance and the motivational high the team rides on.
"Last week was a tough and brutal game, but that’s a South African derby and you have to get up for everyone. We’re all in the right mindset, knowing that we can’t just give a once-off performance like that, we must back it up this weekend again."
With the Six Nations break looming, securing another win against the Stormers is crucial for the Sharks.The team lineup for the Sharks is as follows:
Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Ethan Hooker, 12 Andre Esterhuizen (c), 11 Jaco Williams, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Phatu Ganyane, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Jason Jenkins, 20 Nick Hatton, 21 Jaden Hendrikse, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Jurenzo Julius.
The match is set for Saturday, January 31, at Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban, with a kick-off at 17:00 local time.