Sharks to test new combos against Toulouse
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Champions Cup rugby returns this weekend with the first round pitting the top European and South African teams against each other in one of the sport’s most illustrious and competitive tournaments.
Nick Hatton will lead the Sharks against Toulouse in the first round clash of the group stage in Sunday’s fixture at Stade Ernest-Wallon.
Given Toulouse’s history in the tournament and current ranking at the top of the French Top 14 competition – they have won a record 24 French Domestic League Trophies – the Sharks team have a big challenge ahead of them, one they have embraced fiercely.
Debuts for JJ Scheepers and Bathobele Hlekani in the starting line-up, and Cebo Dlamini and Jannes Potgieter off the bench add an exciting element to the team.
The four newbies will be out to deliver energetic performances in this distinguished competition, alongside their teammates who will also look to make a statement against the six-time champions (and eight-time finalists).
For captain Nick Hatton, it’s an opportunity to show pride in the jersey and demonstrate the character in the side, given the hardships the team has faced in recent times.
“The boys are hurting after last week’s loss and how the season has gone so far,” he admitted. “In saying that, we are really excited for this weekend. The mood in the camp is positive, we’re in a good space.
“It’s a massive challenge against Toulouse, we know what they bring to this competition, but it’s a challenge we’re all looking forward to and one we’ve been working hard towards.
“Our results haven’t been up to standard, but as a group there are no excuses and we are working hard to put the Hollywoodbets Sharks back where they deserve to be. We’re fighting as hard as we can as a group to turn this around and we have the ideal chance on Sunday to show that fight.
“We have 80 minutes to do our best, we have plans in place and we’re looking forward to going out there and giving our best.”
Sharks: 15 Hakeem Kunene, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Le Roux Malan, 12 Francois Venter, 11 Makazola Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Ross Braude, 8 Nick Hatton (captain), 7 Bathobele Hlekani, 6 Matt Romao, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 JJ Scheepers, 3 Mawande Mdanda, 2 Eduan Swart, 1 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko
Replacements: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Simphiwe Ngobese, 18 Cebo Dlamini, 19 Jannes Potgieter, 20 Tinotenda Mavesere, 21 Jaden Hendrikse, 22 Jean Smith, 23 Phikolomzi Sobahle
Date: Sunday, December 7
Venue: Stade Ernest Wallon, Toulouse
Kick-off: 16.17 (15.15 GMT; 17.15 SA time)
Referee: Christophe Ridley (England)
Assistant Referees: Anthony Woodthorpe (England), Simon Harding (England)
TMO: Andrew Jackson (England)
