The Sharks will field no less than 12 Springboks, including captain Siya Kolisi, in their starting line-up for their United Rugby Championship match against the Glasgow Warriors at Kings Park in Durban on Saturday.
Following their break after triumphant Rugby Championship campaign, Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi and Vincent Koch form an all-Bok front row, with the most experienced Springbok of all time Eben Etzebeth packing in behind them. Etzebeth will also captain the side.
Back from his stint in France, Kolisi will pack down on the side of the scrum and will form a loose trio with Emmanuel Tshituka and Phepsi Buthelezi.
Brothers Jaden and Jordan Hendrikse will start together for the first time in Sharks colours in the URC, while wing Makazole Mapimpi, outside centre Lukhanyo Am and fullback Aphelele Fassi will all add more international experience.
🔥Your Hollywoodbets Sharks team for Saturday led by Eben Etzebeth🔥
— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) October 17, 2024
Read full team release article on https://t.co/vRfvfm9ize@vodacom #URC #SHAvGLA pic.twitter.com/Bn5DCb0j74
The Sharks narrowly won their first two matches against Connacht and the Dragons, but were thumped by Benetton in Italy last Saturday.
They will be hoping for an immediate impact from their Boks against the defending champions. Glasgow are second on the URC log, having won three of their first four matches.
Sharks team for Kings Park
15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Eduan Keyter, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Emmanuel Tshituka, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Eben Etzebeth (captain), 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Trevor Nyakane, 18 Ruan Dreyer, 19 Jason Jenkins, 20 James Venter, 21 Grant Williams, 22Siya Masuku, 23 Jurenzo Julius.
@JohnGoliath82