Sharks get their captain back for B&I Lions clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt has revealed his team to face the British and Irish Lions in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
Everitt has named a relatively unchanged line-up, welcoming back his captain Phepsi Buthelezi who returns to the side after missing last week’s game against Western Province with a mild concussion.
On the bench, Kerron van Vuuren comes into the matchday 23 in the No.16 jersey. Anthony Volmink has also been brought in.
“We have to get the fundamentals right otherwise we will be punished on the day,” said Everitt.
“The chief goal is that we go into this game well-prepared and for the players to understand what’s coming their way. Not many of our players in the [Currie Cup] squad have international experience and that includes Super Rugby, so yes, this is a big challenge.
“We have only played two games in the Currie Cup, but our group has been together for some time and they’re looking forward to the challenge.”
On Saturday, A powerful B&I Lions’ side despatched Joburg’s Lions in an eight tries to two display on Saturday.
The result should serve as a big warning for the Sharks.
Sharks: 15 Manie Libbok, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Jeremy Ward, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Thaakir Abrahams, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi (captain), 7 Thembelani Bholi, 6 James Venter, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Khutha Mchunu, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Khwezi Mona.
Replacements: 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Wiehahn Herbst, 19 JJ van der Mescht, 20 Reniel Hugo, 21 Dylan Richardson, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Anthony Volmink.
Date: Wednesday, July 7
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 19.00 (18.00 BST; 17.00 GMT)
Referee: Jaco Peyper (SARU)
Assistant referees: Wayne Barnes (RFU), AJ Jacobs (SARU)
TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen (SARU)
