Sharks load up on URC muscle
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks return to Currie Cup action on Friday, when they host the Pumas in a Currie Cup Round 10 clash at Kings Park.
Coach Etienne Fynn has loaded up on a number of United Rugby Championship players, most of whom haven’t received much game time.
However, their experience will no doubt bolster the side in the run-in to the play-offs.
Hooker Kerron van Vuuren replaces Fez Mbatha, while Ruben van Heerden comes in for Emile van Heerden in the second row where he restores his partnership with Hyron Andrews.
Jeandré Labuschagne for Dylan Richardson at flank and Sikhumbuzo Notshe taking over from Celimpilo Gumede at No.8 complete the changes amongst the forwards.
In a re-jigged backline, Boeta Chamberlain gets a start at No.10, with Joaquin Bonilla moving to the bench.
Marnus Potgieter shifts from outside centre to the right wing, with Anthony Volmink on the left wing.
Jeremy Ward is named at No.13, to partner Ethan Fisher in the midfield.
In the final change to the starting line-up, recently signed Maties Varsity Cup backline star Nevaldo Fleurs is named at fullback.
With the previous match against the Blue Bulls cancelled, following the flooding that devastated the province of KwaZulu-Natal, it has been a month since their previous game – a tough 13-6 away win against the Griquas on April 6.
With the two log points granted to both sides in the cancelled match against the Bulls, the Sharks currently occupy the third spot on the log with 24 points – nine clear of Pumas, who they defeated 24-10 in Nelspruit in early March.
Sharks: 15 Nevaldo Fleurs, 14 Marnus Potgieter, 13 Jeremy Ward, 12 Ethan Fisher, 11 Anthony Volmink, 10 Boeta Chamberlain, 9 Cameron Wright, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Jeandré Labuschagne, 6 James Venter (captain), 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Wiehahn Herbst, 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 1 Dian Bleuler.
Replacements: 16 Fezokuhle Mbatha, 17 Khwezi Mona, 18 Lourens Adriaanse, 19 Emile van Heerden, 20 Dylan Richardson, 21 Thembelani Bholi, 22 Mthokozisi Mkhabela, 32 Joaquin Bonilla.
Date: Friday, May 6
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 16.45 (14.45 GMT)
Referee: AJ Jacobs
Assistant referees: Sean Muller, Sanele Mdlalose
TMO: Egon Seconds
- Picture credit: @SharksRugby
