Bosch back at flyhalf for Sharks
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks team to take on Harlequins this weekend in their final pool match of the Champions Cup shows five changes from the side that defeated Bordeaux at Kings Park last weekend.
Director of Rugby Neil Powell has had his hand forced as far as injuries go, with Bongi Mbonambi and Boeta Chamberlain, both leaving the field last week after taking knocks and neither are available for this weekend.
In their place come Kerron van Vuuren and Aphelele Fassi who is now fully recovered from his injury.
Powell’s rotational policy sees Phepsi Buthelezi and Sikhumbuzo Notshe swap eighth man jerseys, while Curwin Bosch is back for Lionel Cronje after the flyhalf was a late withdrawal from the Bordeaux game after pulling up short during the week and not healing in time.
The final change sees Thaakir Abrahams in for Makazole Mapimpi after the latter was ruled out of the next two games due to suspension.
Although the Sharks have already qualified for the round of 16 courtesy of their three straight victories, a win will guarantee a home clash in the next round and will undoubtedly develop the team’s momentum even further than it already is.
Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Marnus Potgieter, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Ben Tapuai, 11 Thaakir Abrahams, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Siyamthanda Kolisi (captain), 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 1 Retshegofaditswe Nche.
Replacements: 16 Dan Jooste, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Carlü Sadie, 19 Hyron Andrews, 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Lionel Cronje, 23 Francois Venter
Date: Saturday, January 21
Venue: Twickenham Stoop, London
Kick-off: 13.00 (13.00 GMT; 15.00 South African time)
Referee: Nika Amashukeli
Assistant Referees: Craig Evans, Adam Jones
TMO: Ben Whitehouse
