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Bongi back; but no Eben

By @rugby365com
Friday 10 Jan 2025

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Siya Kolisi will lead the Sharks in one of the most eagerly anticipated matches in recent times.

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The Durban-based franchise, reigning Challenge Cup champions, host Champions Cup title-holders Toulouse at Kings Park on Saturday.

This crucial third match of the pool stages pits two of the biggest names in the franchise game in what should be an epic showdown between two teams proudly representing South Africa and France.

Bongi Mbonambi’s welcome return sees him form an all-Bok front row, alongside Ox Nche and Vincent Koch.

Sadly, Eben Etzebeth has not been passed fit to play this weekend.

Also missing are centre Andre Esterhuizen and fullback Aphelele Fassi after the duo were injured in the United Rugby Championship clash with the Stormers.

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Francois Venter partners Ethan Hooker in the midfield, while Makazole Mapimpi is back in the starting line-up after missing the Stormers game.

Hakeem Kunene is named at fullback in the absence of Aphelele Fassi.

Commenting on the scrum battle and the return of his front row partner, Ox Nche admits that given the size of the challenge they face, Bongi Mbonambi’s inclusion is a big boost for the Sharks.

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“Bongi is a vital part of the pack, but scrumming is a pack effort involving all eight guys, and against a team like Toulouse, if one guy is off, it becomes very difficult,” he said.

“I’ve scrummed a lot of games with Bongi, so I connect well with him, we’re both on the same page and he’s a big factor in our scrum.

Players not considered for selection due to injury include Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Braam Reyneke, Eben Etzebeth, Emile van Heerden, Fez Mbatha, Gerbrandt Grobler, James Venter, Khwezi Mona, Lukhanyo Am, Marnus Potgieter and Grant Williams (family bereavement).

Sharks: 15 Hakeem Kunene, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Ethan Hooker, 12 Francois Venter, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Siya Kolisi (captain), 7 Emmanuel Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Jason Jenkins, 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Dylan Richardson, 17 Ruan Dreyer, 18 Trevor Nyakane, 19 Jeandre Labuschagne, 20 Vincent Tshituka, 21 Nick Hatton, 22 Bradley Davids, 23 Jurenzo Julius.

Date: Saturday, January 11
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 17.15 (15.15 GMT; 16.15 France time)
Referee: Luke Pearce (England)
Assistant referees: Adam Leal (England) & Hamish Grant (England)
TMO: Stuart Terheege (England)

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