Massive blow as Sharks lose their captain
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks coach Sean Everitt has revealed his team to face the Cheetahs in their Super Rugby Unlocked clash on Friday.
Regular captain Lukhanyo Am is unavailable for selection due to a hand injury that will see him out for approximately four weeks.
Am’s injury means Henco Venter will take over the captaincy armband for this match against his former team.
The good news for the Durban side is that Sikhumbuzo Notshe has been cleared fit after sustaining a hamstring strain against the Bulls
Notshe, who missed the Sharks’ victory over the Pumas last weekend, has been named on the bench.
Everitt has selected a six-two split amongst the replacements in anticipation of a highly contested physical forward battle.
With Am out, Jeremy Ward gets a start in the World Cup-winning outside centre’s place with Yaw Penxe taking over from Sibusiso Nkosi (slight niggle) in the only two changes to last week’s victorious side.
Werner Kok comes into the matchday 23 on the bench.
Sharks: 15 Manie Libbok, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Jeremy Ward, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Madosh Tambwe, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Sanele Nohamba, 8 Phendulani Buthelezi, 7 Henco Venter (captain), 6 Dylan Richardson 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 JJ van der Mescht, 3 John Hubert-Meyer, 2 Dan Jooste, 1 Retshegofaditswe Nche.
Replacements: 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Mzamo Majola, 18 Michael Kumbirai, 19 Ruben van Heerden, 20 Thembelani Bholi, 21 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Werner Kok.
Date: Friday, November 6
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 19.00 (17.00 GMT)
Referee: Cwengile Jadezweni
Assistant referees: Marius van der Westhuizen, Paul Mente
TMO: Marius Jonker
