Sharks get more Boks back for Exeter clash

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach John Plumtree has unveiled his matchday squad for Saturday’s Champion Cup showdown against the Exeter Chiefs in Durban.

Springboks Eben Etzebeth and Bongi Mbonambi are the big guns returning to the starting team this week.

Etzebeth also takes over the captaincy from Siya Kolisi.

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The superstar lock will form a second row partnership with Emile van Heerden as the loose trio remains unchanged.

In the front row, Mbonambi takes over the No.2 jersey from Dylan Richardson and Trevor Nyakane also gets a start this week.

There is a new halfback pairing in the form of Jordan Hendrikse and Grant Williams and Ethan Hooker gets a shot in the No.13 jersey after Lukhanyo Am was ruled out with an injury.

Eduan Keyter comes into the starting line-up on the wing.

The following players were not considered for selection due to injury: Ruan Dreyer, Fez Mbatha, Khwezi Mona, Marnus Potgieter, Abraham Reyneke, Lukhanyo Am and Gerbrandt Grobler.

Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Eduan Keyter, 13 Ethan Hooker, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Siya Kolisi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 James Venter, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Eben Etzebeth (captain), 3 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Dylan Richardson, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Jason Jenkins, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Jaden Hendrikse, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Francois Venter.

Date: Saturday, December 7
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 15.00 (13.00 GMT)
Referee: Jeremy Rozier (France)
Assistant referees: Luc Ramos (France), Adrien Marbot (France)
TMO: Thomas Charabas (France)