Sharks shuffle team for Western Province clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks named a reshuffled side to face Western Province in their Currie Cup clash at Kings Park on Friday.
Both sides have used the tournament for the development of young players, with an eye on the future, both short and long term, to develop squad depth for the international club tournaments they both feature in.
Head coach JP Pietersen has made six changes and one positional switch to the team that went down bravely to the Griquas, who remain unbeaten at home this season.
The switch sees Jaco Williams return to wing after playing fullback last week. He replaces Paschal Ekeji, with Hakeem Kunene returning in the No.15 jersey.
Other backline changes see Jean Smith in for Vusi Moyo at flyhalf and hard-running wing Phikolomzi “PK” Sobahle returning after missing last week’s match.
He takes over from Christie Grobbelaar on the other wing.
Amongst the forwards, Liam van Wyk comes in for Bryce Calvert at hooker, Le Roux Coetzee is back at lock, in for Gideon Koegelenberg, and Tino Mavesere also returns to action, taking over from SA Under-20 star Matt Romao on the flank.
Sharks: 15 Hakeem Kunene, 14 Phiko Sobahle, 13 Diego Appollis, 12 Marnus Potgieter, 11 Jaco Williams, 10 Jean Smith, 9 Ceano Everson, 8 Nick Hatton (captain), 7 Bathobele Hlekani, 6 Tino Mavesere, 5 Deon Slabbert, 4 Coetzee Le Roux, 3 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 2 Liam van Wyk, 1 Phatu Ganyane
Replacements: 16 Willem van den Hever, 17 Phiwayinkosi Kubheka, 18 Mawande Mdanda, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Jannes Potgieter, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Drico Marx, 23 Albie Bester
Date: Friday, August 22
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 19.10 (17.10 GMT)
Referee: Robbie Jenkinson (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Hanru v Rooyen (South Africa), Caleb Hibbert (South Africa)
TMO: Egon Seconds (South Africa)
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