Sharks bring in new halfback combo for Bulls

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks will travel to Loftus Versfeld for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship clash with the Bulls.

The return leg of this fixture presents a big challenge for the side, missing a number of internationals.

However, they are still able to name a side that has plenty of experience at this level.

Vincent Tshituka continues to carry the leadership responsibilities in the absence of Springboks Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi.

He is one of a number of changes to the forward pack that stood up to the Bulls in the first-round clash, won by the Durban side at Kings Park less than two months ago.

A Springbok front row comprising Ntuthuko Mchunu, Bongi Mbonambi and Trevor Nyakane will have a massive task upfront as they look to tame their front row counterparts.

Corne Rahl and Jason Jenkins form the second-row partnership with Tshituka linking up with Tino Mavesere and Phepsi Buthelezi in the back row.

Grant Williams and Siya Masuku form the halfback pairing, taking over from brothers Jaden and Jordan Hendrikse who featured in round one.

Springbok Lukhanyo Am partners with Jurenzo Julius in the midfield and Ethan Hooker, Yaw Penxe and Jordan Hendrikse complete the team, comprising the back three.

Jaden Hendrikse and Kolisi are on mandatory Springbok leave, while Makazole Mapimpi is serving a three-match suspension for dangerous play.

Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Bryce Calvert, Diego Appollis, Dylan Richardson, Etzebeth, Emile van Heerden, Fez Mbatha, Gerbrandt Grobler, Hakeem Kunene, James Venter, Khwezi Mona, Manu Tshituka, Marnus Potgieter, Nick Hatton and Ox Nche are all on the injury list.

The Bulls have won two of their last URC games, the only loss was going down to the Sharks, a narrow 17-20 defeat in Durban in December, while the Sharks also have a run of two from their last three.

Sharks: 15 Jordan Hendrikse, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Lukhanyo Am, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka (captain), 6 Tino Mavesere, 5 Jason Jenkins, 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Replacements: 16 Ethan Bester, 17 Ruan Dreyer, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Lappies Labuschagne, 20 Jannes Potgieter, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Francois Venter, 23 Jaco Williams

Date: Saturday, February 15
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Kick-off: 17.00 (15.00 GMT)
Referee : Marius van der Westhuizen
Assistant Referees: Morne Ferreira & Sean Muller
TMO: Quinton Immelman