Sharks welcome back host of Boks to face Griquas

NEWS: The Sharks have been bolstered by six Springboks in the side that will travel to Kimberley to face Griquas on Friday evening.

Players from the URC and Challenge Cup campaign and the Springbok camp make up a large part of coach JP Petersen’s team against the Peacock Blues this weekend.

Springbok tighthead prop Trevor Nyakane will play in his first match for the Sharks since being signed, replacing Khwezi Mona, while another Springbok, Ntuthuko Mchunu takes over from Abraham Reynecke at loosehead.

Phepsi Buthelezi replaces Jannes Potgieter at flank in the final change amongst the forwards.

Rugby World Cup-winning wing Makazole Mapimpi is back, as is Andre Esterhuizen after a successful stint in the English Premiership.

Boosting his team’s chances in Kimberley, fullback Aphelele Fassi is also back, replacing Hakeem Kunene.

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus last week said he wanted some of the Boks who were not in action against the Irish to play in the Currie Cup this week to get some game time.

This might indicate that they are set to face Portugal in the Test in Bloemfontein next weekend.