Get Newsletter

Bongi leads changed Sharks into battle

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks travel to Johannesburg to take on the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday, as the United Rugby Championship resumes with Round 11.

ADVERTISEMENT

Coach John Plumtree has made several changes, including naming two-time World Cup-winning Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi as his captain.

He takes over the leadership in the absence of centre Lukhanyo Am.

George Cronje is also back in the side at No.8.

Highly rated young Ethan Hooker has been named in Am’s place at outside centre.

Other backline changes will see Grant Williams (No.9) and Siya Masuku (No.10) combining at halfback.

Eduan Keyter was named in an exciting back three that features Aphiwe Dyantyi and Aphelele Fassi.

ADVERTISEMENT

Bok lock Eben Etzebeth (knee surgery) headlines the list of players unavailable through injury.

Others include Cameron Wright, Dylan Richardson, Emile van Heerden, Nevaldo Fleurs and Vincent Koch.

Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Eduan Keyter, 13 Ethan Hooker, 12 Francois Venter, 11 Aphiwe Dyantyi, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Grant Williams, 8 George Cronje, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 James Venter, 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Bongi Mbonambi (captain), 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Replacements: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Khwezi Mona, 19 Jeandre Labuschagne, 20 Tino Mavesere, 21 Phepsi Buthelezi, 22 Tiaan Fourie, 23 Curwin Bosch.

ADVERTISEMENT

Date: Saturday, March 2
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 15.00 (13.00 GMT)
Referee: Aimee Barrett-Theron
Assistant referees: Cwengile Jadezweni, Christopher Allison
TMO: Ben Crous

Join free

Boks Office | Episode 28 | Steven Kitshoff

Two Sides - Behind the scenes with the British & Irish Lions in South Africa | E01

England A vs Australia A | Full Match Replay

Tonga vs USA | Full Match Replay

Japan vs Uruguay | Full Match Replay

Felipe Contepomi | Returning to Ireland

Will Jordan | Secrets to try scoring success

Richard Cockerill | Unlocking Georgia's Potential

Write A Comment