Sharks get a big Bok boost for Challenge Cup quarterfinal
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach John Plumtree has revealed his team for Saturday’s Challenge Cup quarterfinal against Edinburgh in Durban.
With an almost full squad to choose from, Plumtree has made minimal changes to the team that thumped Zebre in the Round of 16 last weekend.
There is just one change to the starting XV and it is a big one. Springbok superstar Eben Etzebeth is back from injury and he replaces Corne Rahl who moves to the bench.
The other new face on the bench this week is Dan Jooste who is stepping in for Kerron van Vuuren in the No.16 jersey.
The players who were not considered for selection this week due to injury are Boeta Chamberlain, Coenie Oosthuizen, Dylan Richardson, Fez Mbatha, George Cronje, Marnus Potgieter, Muller du Plessis, Nevaldo Fleurs and Zee Mkhabela.
Meanwhile, scrumhalf Grant Williams will earn his 50th international tournament cap if he runs on for the Sharks.
Flyhalf Curwin Bosch will achieve his 100th international tournament cap if he gets an opportunity off the bench.
Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Werner Kok, 13. Lukhanyo Am (captain), 12 Ethan Hooker, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 James Venter, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Dan Jooste, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Lappies Labuschagne, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Curwin Bosch, 23 Francois Venter.
Date: Saturday, April 13
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 13.30 (12.30 UK & Ireland time; 11.30 GMT)
Referee: Matthew Carley (England)
Assistant referees: Anthony Woodthorpe (England), Adam Leal (England)
TMO: Ian Tempest (England)
