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Etzebeth dons captain's armband as Plumtree keeps changes minimal

By @rugby365com
Thursday 23 Oct 2025

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks will be looking to close out the first stage of the season on a high against Scarlets this Saturday before the United Rugby Championship pauses for the autumn international window.

Head coach John Plumtree has made minimal changes to the side for this week’s match against the Scarlets at Kings Park.

Eben Etzebeth leads the team with one rotational change to the pack, with Emmanuel Tshituka and Phepsi Buthelezi swapping jerseys.

The suspension of Makazole Mapimpi sees Edwill van der Merwe shift from fullback to his regular position at wing, with Jordan Hendrikse starting in the No.15 jersey.

The final change sees the return of Lukhanyo Am, who replaces Jurenzo Julius, with the latter providing cover off the bench.

Sharks: 15 Jordan Hendrikse, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Emmanuel Tshituka, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Eben Etzebeth (captain), 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Cameron Dawson, 18 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 19 JJ Scheepers, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Jaden Hendrikse, 22 Jean Smith, 23 Jurenzo Julius.

Date: Saturday, October 25
Venue: Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 16.00 (15.00 UK & Ireland; 14:00 GMT)
Referee: Sam Grove-White (Scotland)
Assistant referees: Griffin Colby (South Africa), Aimee Barrett-Theron (South Africa)
TMO: Eoghan Cross (Ireland)

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