Sharks reveal strong team for Stormers
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt has revealed his team to face the Stormers in their Rainbow Cup SA opener in Cape Town on Saturday
Everitt had a complete squad to pick from and has chosen a strong side for this clash, including starting former Stormers and current Springbok captain Siya Kolisi.
Ox Nche, Fez Mbatha and Thomas du Toit offer formidable opposition to the highly-rated Stormers front row with the pack looking forward to the challenge and enormous battle up front.
Lukhanyo Am leads the team which includes an exciting backline with Grant Williams partnering up with Curwin Bosch at halfback.
Jeremy Ward and Am are the centres with Yaw Penxe, Sibusiso Nkosi and Aphelele Fassi making up the back three.
There is a welcome return to the Sharks for prop Wiehahn Herbst, who is on loan from the Lions. He has been named on the bench.
Herbst played much of his rugby in Durban before widening his horizons in Europe and then at the Lions. A powerful scrummager, he adds important depth in the front row.
Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Sibusiso Nkosi, 13 Lukhanyo Am (captain), 12 Jeremy Ward, 11 Yaw Penxe, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Henco Venter, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Reniel Hugo, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Wiehahn Herbst, 19 JJ van der Mescht, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Sanele Nohamba, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Werner Kok.
Date: Saturday, May 1
Venue: Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
Kick-off: 14.00 (12.00 GMT)
Referee: Jaco Peyper
Assistant Referees: Adriaan Jacobs, Aimee Barrett-Theron
TMO: Stuart Berry
