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Kolisi returns for Sharks as Pietersen unveils new-look midfield

By Warren Fortune
Thursday 23 Apr 2026

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach JP Pietersen has revealed his matchday squad for Friday’s United Rugby Championship showdown against Edinburgh at Hive Stadium.

The Durbanites are trying to survive a devastating injury toll, with Springbok Ethan Hooker the latest in a long line of players on the sidelines after suffering a dislocated shoulder against the Ospreys.

Despite this, there are minimal changes as the Sharks look to finish their two-week overseas tour on a high.

There are just two changes to the starting line-up, the pack remaining intact while Makazole Mapimpi comes in for Hooker.

Captain Andre Esterhuizen shifts to outside centre, partnering Siya Masuku in the midfield.

Teenage sensation Zekhethelo Siyaya remains at fullback after his breakthrough debut against the Ospreys.

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, who has been included on the bench, is set to earn his 50th cap for the Sharks.

Players not considered for selection due to injury/rehab: Aphelele Fassi, Bongi Mbonambi, Bryce Calvert, Coetzee le Roux, Eben Etzebeth, Ethan Bester, Ethan Hooker, Francois Venter, Grant Williams, Hakeem Kunene, Jaco Williams, Jordan Hendrikse, Jurenzo Julius, Le Roux Malan, Luan Giliomee, Marvin Orie, Matt Romao, Ruan Dreyer, Simphiwe Matanzima, Tom Dyer, Trevor Nyakane, Yaw Penxe.

Sharks: 15 Zekhethelo Siyaya, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Andre Esterhuizen (captain), 12 Siya Masuku, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jean Smith, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Manu Tshituka, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Phatu Ganyane.
Replacements: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Nick Hatton, 21 Siya Kolisi, 22 Bradley Davids, 23 Marnus Potgieter.

Date: Friday, April 24
Venue: Hive Stadium, Edinburgh
Kick-off: 19:45 BST (20.45 SAST; 18.45 GMT)
Referee: Ben Breakspear (Wales)
Assistant referees: Rob McDowell (Scotland), Jonny MacKenzie (Scotland)
TMO: Keith David (Wales)

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