Bok star out of Rainbow Cup SA decider
NEWS: The Sharks have been forced to tweak their backline ahead of their Rainbow Cup SA decider against the Bulls in Durban.
Springbok wing Makazole Mapimpi, who was originally named to start in the No.11 jersey, has now dropped out of the team due to an injury.
On Thursday, Sharks head coach Sean Everitt that Mapimpi pulled up with a ‘stiff’ calf in training. At the time, Everitt suggested that the Bok star would be fine to play against the Bulls
Anthony Volmink will now shift from the right wing to the left wing with Werner Kok taking over the No.14 jersey.
Due to injury a few late changes has been made to #OurSharks team that will take on the Vodacom Bulls at Jonsson Kings Park tomorrow afternoon🦈
#OurSharksForever #SHAvBUL #RainbowCupSA pic.twitter.com/NLe07sqtd0— The Sharks (@TheSharksZA) June 11, 2021
The Sharks also confirmed their bench for Saturday’s match, which includes Thomas du Toit and Ox Nche.
The Sharks and Bulls are in a straight shoot-out to decide who will face Benetton at their Treviso home ground, Stadio Comunale di Monigo, in the Rainbow Cup Final.
The Bulls hold a four-point advantage ahead of their trip to Durban, but the Sharks could yet sneak ahead and travel to face the Italians.
A single bonus point would likely be enough for the Bulls, given the gulf in points difference between the top two.
The Sharks must aim for a bonus-point win, while leaving the Bulls empty-handed if they are to book their place without needing to rely on tie-breakers.
Sharks – revised: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Lukhanyo Am (captain), 12 Marius Louw, 11 Anthony Volmink, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Thembelani Bholi, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 JJ van der Mescht, 3 Khutha Mchunu, 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 1 Khwezi Mona.
Replacements: 16 Dan Jooste, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Reniel Hugo, 20 James Venter, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Jeremy Ward.
Date: Saturday, June 12
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 18.15 (16.15 GMT)
Referee: AJ Jacobs
Assistant referees: Jaco Peyper, Griffin Colby
TMO: Stuart Berry
