Sharks reveal strongest possible team for Stormers showdown

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach John Plumtree has revealed his team to face the Stormers in Saturday’s United Rugby Championship clash with Round Seven in Durban.

With the international season over, Plumtree has upped the ante by selecting the strongest team possible with a strong contingent of Test match players.

Back in the side are props Ox Nche and Vincent Koch, Scottish international Dylan Richardson, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, brothers Jaden and Jordan Hendrikse, try-scoring machine Makazole Mapimpi, Lukhanyo Am, Aphelele Fassi and Grant Williams.

Richardson will start at hooker and form a front row with Nche and Koch.

Jason Jenkins and Gerbrandt Grobler will combine in the second row, while Kolisi will start at No.8 in the back row with Vincent Tshituka and James Venter.

Jaden Hendrikse gets the No.9 jersey and his halfback partner will be Siya Masuku. Lukhanyo Am and Andre Esterhuizen will form a formidable midfield combination.

The back three will consist of Fassi, Mapimpi and Ethan Hooker.

Williams and Jordan Hendrikse will provide cover on the bench.

The following players are not available for selection: Ruan Dreyer, Eben Etzebeth, Fez Mbatha, Bongi Mbonambi (bereavement), Khwezi Mona, Marnus Potgieter, Braam Reyneke and Emile van Heerden.

Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Siya Kolisi (captain), 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 James Venter, 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Dylan Richardson, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Ethan Bester, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Trevor Nyakane, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Emmanuel Tshituka, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Jordan Hendrikse.

Date: Saturday, November 30
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 17.00 (15.00 GMT)
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Christopher Allison (South Africa), Hanru van Rooyen (South Africa)
TMO: Marius Jonker (South Africa)