Sharks tweak their big guns for Dragons clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks will head into their Challenge Cup Round Four match against the Dragons in Newport with a few changes to their matchday squad.
There are two changes to the starting XV that beat Oyonnax in Durban last weekend.
Jaden Hendrikse gets the No.9 jersey this week with Grant Williams dropping down to the bench. The other change is in the pack where James Venter comes in for Tino Mavesere, who also gets a role on the replacements bench.
The bench has a bit of a new look to it with Dan Jooste and Coenie Oosthuizen coming in to provide front-row cover.
Le Roux Roets takes over the No.19 jersey from Eben Etzebeth.
Among the backs, Lionel Cronje comes in to provide cover and there is a rare spot for Bok centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg.
The big midfielder is reportedly heading to France to join Bordeaux at the end of the season.
The players who are not available for selection due to injury are Aphiwe Dyantyi, Bongi Mbonambi, Dylan Richardson, Emile van Heerden, George Cronje, Hyron Andrews, Nevaldo Fleurs, Reniel Hugo, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Vincent Koch and Vincent Tshituka.
Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Lukhanyo Am (captain), 12 Francois Venter, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Lappies Labuschagne, 6 James Venter, 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Dan Jooste, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Coenie Oosthuizen, 19 Le Roux Roets, 20 Tinotenda Mavesere, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Lionel Cronje, 23 Rohan Janse van Rensburg.
Date: Sunday, January 21
Venue: Rodney Parade, Newport
Kick-off: 17.30 (17.30 GMT; 19.30 SAST)
Referee: Adrien Marbot (France)
Assistant referees: Benoit Rousselet (France), Thomas Chereque (France)
TMO: Julien Castaignede (France)
