Bok blow for Sharks' Loftus mission

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks will have to do without one of their most seasoned Springboks in their United Rugby Championship semifinal against the Bulls at Loftus Versveld.

A new lock pairing for Saturday’s URC semifinal derby clash against the Bulls in Pretoria is the only set of changes to the Sharks as they take continuity into selection for this massive local knock-out.

Head coach John Plumtree has to do without captain Eben Etzebeth who unfortunately got injured at training this week, with Corne’ Rahl replacing him and Emile van Heerden coming in for Jason Jenkins, who went down in last week’s victory over Munster and hasn’t recovered sufficiently.

Deon Slabbert comes onto the bench, as does Jurenzo Julius for Francois Venter.

Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Siya Kolisi (captain), 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 James Venter, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Corne’ Rahl, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Deon Slabbert, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Jurenzo Julius, 23 Yaw Penxe.

Date: Saturday, June 7
Venue: Loftus Versveld, Pretoria
Kick-off: 18.15 (16.15 GMT)
Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Sam Grove-White (Scotland), Adam Jones (Wales)
TMO: Mike Adamson (Scotland)

Players not considered for selection due to injury: Eben Etzebeth, Grant Williams, Jason Jenkins, Marnus Potgieter, Trevor Nyakane.