Bok boost for Sharks
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Two sets of brothers will run out for the Sharks in Saturday’s second United Rugby Championship game on the road when they meet Dragons in Newport, Wales.
Fresh off his Rugby Championship exploits for the title-winning Springboks, Jaden Hendrikse comes into the starting line-up, joining brother and fullback Jordan, with the Tshituka brothers, captain Vincent and Emmanuel both playing in the back row.
Jaden Hendrikse, in for Bradley Davids at scrumhalf, is the only change made by head coach John Plumtree to the starting XV, with Phepsi Buthelezi and Francois Venter returning to the side, both named on the bench.
With a 100 percent success record against the Dragons in the three URC campaigns to date, the Sharks have the history behind them.
But, according to forwards coach Warren Whiteley, they take no expectation into this game based on past results.
“We have high standards for ourselves and regardless of who we play, we put that pressure on ourselves to perform. We were disappointed in our second half performance against Connacht, but what’s great about this competition is that we have another opportunity this week.
“The Dragons gave Leinster a good go last week and beat Ospreys in the first round, so they’re a quality side, particularly at home, and they’ll be determined to get a victory there, so we know what we’re up against.
“But we’re focusing on bettering our game, on improving the execution of our game model.”
VIDEO: Kriel lists the positions he can cover for the Bokshttps://t.co/kjxyJJ67ul
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Fortunately for the Sharks, this is more of a settled week after a short trip from Ireland into Wales as they prep for Saturday’s clash.
“We’ve had our first full week in quite a long time to prepare for this game, and that’s lekker because we’re nice and settled,” said Whiteley.
“What’s important for us is that we’ve taken lessons out of last week’s game and we really have to look forward to the challenge that the Dragons will bring to this match.”
He added that a crucial phase of the game is the early stages when the result can often be set up and this is a focal point for the team.
“They have some quality players and strengths in certain areas and we know how important a good start is. For us, it’s about being more accurate in the first 20 minutes and applying pressure, or transferring pressure if needs be, and then keeping ball in hand in the right areas to put points on the board.
“It’s a good challenge and it’s great to tour early in the season, you feel connected as a group.”
Sharks: 15 Jordan Hendrikse, 14 Eduan Keyter, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Emmanuel Tshituka, 7 Vincent Tshituka (captain), 6 James Venter, 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 Dylan Richardson, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Replacements: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Trevor Nyakane, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Cameron Wright, 22 Lionel Cronje, 23 Francois Venter.
Date: Saturday, October 5
Venue: Rodney Parade, Newport
Kick-off: 17.15 (16.15 GMT; 18.15 SA Time)
Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Ben Connor (Wales) and Nathan James (Wales)
TMO: Brian MacNeice (Ireland)
