Bok blow for Sharks

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks will be without several key Springboks when they face Ospreys in an important United Rugby Championship Round 17 encounter at Kings Park on Friday.

Grant Williams, Jordan Hendrikse, Lukhanyo Am, Ox Nche, Ruan Dryer and Trevor Nyakane are all listed as unavailable for selection due to injury or illness.

Despite this, coach John Plumtree has largely stuck with the team that defeated Ulster 22-19 in Belfast two weeks ago.

There’s just the one change to the pack, with Dian Bleuler coming in for Nche (who is ill) at loosehead prop.

Siya Masuku replaces Hendrikse at flyhalf, and Jurenzo Julius takes over from Lukhanyo Am at outside centre.

Francois Venter and Yaw Penxe were named as backline replacements.

After two vital overseas wins in successive weekends, the Sharks are fourth on the standings, seven points ahead of Cardiff, who face the rampant Bulls at Loftus on Saturday.

The Durban side needs just three log points from the final two weekends to ensure a home quarterfinal and semifinal (should they make the last four).

However, they are still looking for a full-house of points to nail down a top-four place – or higher, should other results go their way.

Not to be distracted by other matches, the Sharks will have as their focus their own preparation and performances, leaving other results to take care of themselves.

Players not available for selection due to injury or illness include Corne Rahl, Dylan Richardson, Emile van Heerden, Gerbrandt Grobler, Grant Williams, Henry Immelman, Jordan Hendrikse, Lukhanyo Am, Marnus Potgieter, Ox Nche, Ruan Dryer and Trevor Nyakane.

Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Siya Kolisi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 James Venter, 5 Jason Jenkins, 4 Eben Etzebeth (captain), 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Dian Bleuler.
Replacements: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Emmanuel Tshituka, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Francois Venter, 23 .Yaw Penxe

Date: Friday, May 9
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 19.00 (18.00 UK time; 17.00 GMT)
Referee: Gianluca Gnecchi
Assistant referees: Morné Ferreira, Hanru van Rooyen
TMO: Andrea Piardi