The Sharks head into a pivotal United Rugby Championship clash against the Lions at Ellis Park missing several key Springboks, resting under player welfare protocols. With both teams locked at 24 points and vying for a top-eight spot, the stakes couldn't be higher, especially with the Sharks' newly appointed head coach, JP Pietersen, at the helm for his first official game.
Despite the absence of heavy hitters like Siya Kolisi and Bongi Mbonambi, the Sharks aren't exactly showing up empty-handed. The team still boasts considerable experience, especially on the bench with Springboks Phepsi Buthelezi, Vincent Koch, and Jordan Hendrikse ready to inject some much-needed vigour into the game. "The blend of youth and experience in the squad gives us a balanced look, and we're ready to take the game to the Lions," Pietersen remarked, reflecting his optimism about the clash.
"The blend of youth and experience in the squad gives us a balanced look, and we're ready to take the game to the Lions," - JP Pietersen
On the Lions' side, morale needs a boost after a brutal 53-17 thumping by the Bulls in their last outing. They’ll look to key players like Francke Horn and Morne van den Berg to reignite their form. The game also marks a milestone for Darrien Landsberg, celebrating his 50th appearance, and introduces Siba Mahashe, playing his first tournament game on home turf.
A victory for the Sharks not only cements their place in the top eight but also secures the SA Shield, continuing their dominant streak against local rivals. However, the Lions, led by a determined Francke Horn, are not to be underestimated and will be fighting hard to redeem themselves and flip the script on their recent performances.
The clash is set for Saturday, with kickoff at 14:00 local time. The officiating team will be led by Griffin Colby, with Aimee Barrett-Theron and Zoe Naude assisting, and Quinton Immelman overseeing as TMO.
Teams Line-up:
Lions: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Kelly Mpeku, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Bronson Mills, 11 Angelo Davids, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Francke Horn (c), 7 Ruan Venter, 6 Siba Mahashe, 5 Darrien Landsberg, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 PJ Botha, 1 SJ Kotze. Replacements: 16 Francois Marais, 17 RF Schoeman, 18 Eddie Davids, 19 Reinhard Nothnagel, 20 Batho Hlekani, 21 Renzo du Plessis, 22 Haashim Pead, 23 Erich Cronje.
Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Francois Venter, 12 Jurenzo Julius, 11 Jaco Williams, 10 Siya