Sharks make wholesale changes as casualty list grows

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Loose forward Phepsi Buthelezi will lead the Sharks in their Round Two Champions Cup clash with the Leicester Tigers at Welford Road on Saturday.

After a physical clash with Exeter Chiefs in last week’s Round One bonus point victory at Kings Park, the high player workloads, and injury toll has necessitated a rejig of the team for Saturday’s clash.

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The players not considered for selection due to injury are Bongi Mbonambi, Braam Reyneke, Eben Etzebeth, Fez Mbatha, Gerbrandt Grobler, Grant Williams, James Venter, Jurenzo Julius, Khwezi Mona, Lukhanyo Am, Makazole Mapimpi, Marnus Potgieter, Ruan Dreyer, Vincent Koch and Vincent Tshituka.

“We’ve had some key injuries, which is not ideal,” explained head coach John Plumtree after the Exeter match.

“This presents an exciting opportunity to expose some of our next generation of talent within the system to step up and showcase their abilities.

“We are intentional in developing these young, skilled players, who have been an integral part of our set-up and fully understand our playing systems.

“The game will be an exciting challenge for them, and we have every confidence that they will rise to the occasion and make The Sharks family proud.”

After this clash, there are two remaining matches before the New Year and coach Plumtree added: “The Sharks medical team are working hard to prepare the injured players for the matches against the Bulls and Stormers, aiming for a fully fit and mentally strong squad to finish the year on a high note.”

Sharks: 15 Jordan Hendrikse, 14 Eduan Keyter, 13 Ethan Hooker, 12 Francois Venter, 11 Yaw Penxe, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Manu Tshituka, 7 Lappies Labuschagne, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi (captain), 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Dylan Richardson, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Replacements: 16 Ethan Bester, 17 Phatu Ganyane, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Corne’ Rahl, 20 Tino Mavesere, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Diego Appollis, 23 Hakeem Kunene.

Date: Saturday, December 14
Venue: Welford Road, Leicester
Kick-off: 17.30 (17.30 GMT; 19.30 SAST)
Referee: Andrea Piardi (Italy)
Assistant referee: Filippo Russo (Italy), Manuel Bottino (Italy)
TMO: Matteo Liperini (Italy)