Bok gets Sharks' No.10 jersey for Bulls showdown
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks interim head coach JP Pietersen has revealed his team for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship Round Seven clash against the Bulls in Durban.
There are only two changes to the starting line-up that beat Saracens 28-23 in the Champions Cup last weekend.
Springbok Jordan Hendrikse takes over the No.10 jersey from George Whitehead, who drops down to the bench.
The other change is at fullback, where Hakeem Kunene comes in to replace Aphelele Fassi, who left the field last week with a concussion.
For the Sharks, their win over the three-time Champions Cup winners is a great confidence booster ahead of their clash against their old rivals.
“A win is always important, it gives you belief, it gives you something you can work on, and it gives you motivation and confidence to take into the next game,” said Pietersen.
“We know it’s not going to be easy against the Bulls. They’re also desperate, but what a challenge it’s going to be.”
Sharks: 15 Hakeem Kunene, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Ethan Hooker, 12 Andre Esterhuizen (captain), 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Phatu Ganyane.
Replacements: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 18 Mawande Mdanda, 19 Marvin Orie, 20 Matt Romao, 21 Nick Hatton, 22 Jaden Hendrikse, 23 George Whitehead.
Date: Saturday, December 20
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 18.00 (16.00)
Referee: Griffin Colby (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Aimee Barrett-Theron (South Africa), AJ Jacobs (South Africa)
TMO: Marius Jonker (South Africa)
