Good news for Rassie and Boks as speedster returns to action
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok wing Edwill van der Merwe will return to action this weekend after he was included in the Sharks’ matchday squad for Friday’s pre-season warm-up match against the Stormers in George.
Van der Merwe has been named on the bench, and it will be his first appearance for the Sharks after making the move from the Lions.
The 29-year-old featured in the Boks’ 22-38 defeat against the Wallabies at Ellis Park last month.
He missed the rematch in Cape Town and the Boks’ tour to New Zealand with an ankle injury.
His return will be good news for Bok coach Rassie Erasmus ahead of their final two Rugby Championship matches against Argentina in Durban and London.
Van der Merwe is part of a 28-man Sharks squad that will travel to the Garden Route to face John Dobson’s side.
There’s a first start this season for prop Ruan Dreyer, while Junior Bok star Bathobele Hlekani remains at lock after being selected there last week in a 26-38 defeat to Saracens.
There’s plenty of experience spread around the team, led by No.8 Vincent Tshituka with centre Lukhanyo Am in the vice-captaincy role.
The bench sees some interesting faces, including Ross Braude.
The Canadian scrumhalf, who hails from Bloemfontein and was schooled at Grey College, represented the Blue Bulls at age-group level before playing his senior rugby in Canada and with the Pumas as recently as this season’s Currie Cup.
Sharks: 15 Yaw Penxe, 14 Phikolomzi Sobahle, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Francois Venter, 11 Christie Grobbelaar, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Vincent Tshituka (captain), 7 Emmanuel Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Jason Jenkins, 4 Bathobele Hlekani, 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Phatu Ganyane.
Replacements: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 19 Deon Slabbert, 20 Tino Mavesere, 21 Nick Hatton, 22 Ross Braude, 23 Edwill van der Merwe, 24 Paschal Ekeji, 25 Jean Smith, 26 Hakeem Kunene, 27 Mawande Mdanda, 28. Willem van den Hever.
Date: Friday, September 12
Venue: Outeniqua Park, George
Kick-off: 18.00 (16.00)
