Sharks lose Bok trio ahead of big Champions Cup clash
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach John Plumtree has named a 26-man travelling squad for two matches abroad.
The first one will be a Champions Cup pool match with Bordeaux-Bègles at the 33,000-seater Stade Chaban-Delmas on Sunday.
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The team from Durban will head to Wales after that showdown for a clash against Cardiff in the United Rugby Championship on January 25.
Plumtree’s squad consists of 16 forwards and 12 backs, but a few Boks are missing from this list.
Vincent Koch, Jordan Hendrikse and Makazole Mapimpi all failed their HIA tests after Saturday’s 8-20 defeat to Toulouse.
They will be monitored this week and they could join the team ahead of the clash against Cardiff.
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Other Boks in the form of Eben Etzebeth, Andre Esterhuizen and Aphelele Fassi are still on the injured list.
However, there is some good news with Lukhanyo Am and Grant Williams included in the squad.
William missed the match against Toulouse due to a family bereavement.
The Sharks are fourth in Pool One of the Champions Cup with five points.
Despite a tough outing waiting for them in France, the Sharks are still favourites to qualify for a Round of 16 spot ahead of Ulster and Exeter, who both have zero points in Pool One.
The Sharks also have a superior points difference over those teams.
Sharks touring squad:
Forwards: Ruan Dreyer, Ox Nche, Trevor Nyakane, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Hanro Jacobs, Bongi Mbonambi, Dylan Richardson, Ethan Bester, Jason Jenkins, Corne’ Rahl, Vincent Tshituka, Emmanuel Tshituka, Siya Kolisi, Phepsi Buthelezi, James Venter, Jeandre Labuschagne.
Backs: Grant Williams, Jaden Hendrikse, Bradley Davids, Siya Masuku, Francois Venter, Lukhanyo Am, Ethan Hooker, Yaw Penxe, Eduan Keyter, Jurenzo Julius, Hakeem Kunene, Litelihle Bester.
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