Bok blow for Sharks ahead of All Blacks showdown
INJURY UPDATE: The Sharks have suffered a double injury blow ahead of Tuesday’s historic Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry warm-up showdown against New Zealand at Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium.
Springbok Vincent Tshituka and Emile van Heerden have both been ruled out of the clash.
Van Heerden, who was named to start against the All Blacks, sustained an injury and will be replaced by Deon Slabbert in the second row.
The 26-year-old Slabbert joined the Sharks from the Pumas in 2026 and will partner Hendre Stassen in the second row.
Meanwhile, Tshituka has suffered a concussion and will miss the match, with Corne Rahl taking his place among the replacements.
Tuesday’s encounter represents far more than a traditional pre-season fixture. It gives a new generation of Sharks players the opportunity to test themselves against one of the most iconic teams in world rugby, while Durban prepares to host another chapter in one of the sport’s most celebrated rivalries.
Sharks – revised: 15 Zekhethelo Siyaya, 14 Donovan Don, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Murray Koster, 11 Litelihle Bester, 10 Vusi Moyo, 9 Bradley Davids, 8 Nick Hatton (captain), 7 Manu Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Deon Slabbert, 4 Hendre Stassen, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Eduan Swart, 1 Nemo Roelofse
Replacements: 16 Liam van Wyk, 17 Rambo Kubekha, 18 Simphiwe Ngobese, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Matt Romao, 21 Ivan van Zyl, 22 Luan Giliomee, 23 Ma’a Nonu.
Date: Tuesday, August 11
Venue: Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium, Durban
Kick-off: 19.00 (17.00 GMT; 05.00 Wednesday, August 12 NZST)
Referee: Matthew Carley (RFU)
Assistant Referees: Karl Dickson (RFU) & Hollie Davidson (SRU)
TMO: Mike Adamson (SRU)
