Jenkins starts as Plumtree reveals Sharks team for Connacht clash

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach John Plumtree has revealed his matchday 23 for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship Round Two clash against Connacht in Galway.

The team from Durban will enter the match after a thrilling 16-14 win over the Lions in last weekend’s Currie Cup Final in Johannesburg.

Plumtree used the last few weeks of the Currie Cup tournament for the dual purpose of competing and getting his URC players back to match fitness after their break following a long, tough and also successful 2023/24 season that culminated in EPCR Challenge Cup glory.

As such, this week’s team to take on Connacht isn’t too dissimilar from the one that defeated the Lions.

There are four changes in the pack of forwards, but the backline remains intact from last week.

Vincent Tshituka continues his role as captain on tour with hooker Dylan Richardson replacing Fez Mbatha and Ruan Dreyer coming in for Hanro Jacobs at tighthead prop.

Jason Jenkins earns his debut for the Sharks as he pairs up with Gerbrandt Grobler in the second row. They replace Corne Rahl and the injured Emile van Heerden respectively.

Sharks: 15 Jordan Hendrikse, 14 Eduan Keyter, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Bradley Davids, 8 Emmanuel Tshituka, 7 Vincent Tshituka (captain), 6 James Venter, 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 Dylan Richardson, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Replacements: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Trevor Nyakane, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Corne’ Rahl, 20 Reniel Hugo, 21 Tino Mavesere, 22 Tian Meyer, 23 Gurswin Wehr.

Date: Saturday, September 28
Venue: The Sportsground, Galway
Kick-off: 19.35 (20.35 SAST; 18.35 GMT)
Referee: Federico Vedovelli (Italy)
Assistant referees: Eoghan Cross (Ireland), Paul Haycock (Ireland)
TMO: Stefano Penne (Italy)