Am to skipper Sharks in Dublin
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks take on Leinster in the United Rugby Championship quarterfinals at Landsdowne Road on Saturday with the tournament heading towards its climax.
Sharks Director of Rugby Neil Powell has had his hand forced in naming a changed line-up following the loss of Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi and flyhalf Curwin Bosch who sustained injuries in the final pool game against Munster at Kings Park a fortnight ago.
Lukhanyo Am takes over the captaincy in Kolisi’s absence.
James Venter replaces Kolisi, while Boeta Chamberlain moves from fullback to flyhalf to accommodate the loss of Bosch, with Aphelele Fassi starting at fullback.
In other changes, after a string of impressive performances in the Currie Cup recently , Corne Rahl returns to the side, having made his URC debut earlier in the season against Connacht, the 20-year old is in for Jeandre Labuschagne who plays off the bench, while Marnus Potgieter replaces Werner Kok on the wing.
Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Marnus Potgieter, 13 Lukhanyo Am (captain), 12 Ben Tapuai, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Henry Chamberlain, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 James Venter, 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Mbongeni Mbonambi, 1 Retshegofaditswe Nché.
Replacements: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Carlü Sadie, 19 Jeandre Labuschagne, 20 Phendulani Buthelezi, 21 Cameron Wright, 22 Nevaldo Fluers, 23 Rohan Janse van Rensburg.
Date: Saturday, May 6
Venue: Lansdowne Road, Dublin
Kick-off: 17.00 (18.00 SA time; 16.00 GMT)
Referee: Craig Evans (Wales)
Assistant referees: Sam Grove-White (Scotland), Hollie Davidson (Scotland)
TMO: Ben Whitehouse (Wales)
#⃣ICYMI The latest @SharksRugby coach John Plumtree gives his first interview since it was confirmed he is returning to the Tank#Rugby 🏉#RugbyUnion🌍@TheCurrieCup 🏆@URCOfficial 🏅
🔗https://t.co/Q4AwD4foDY— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) May 5, 2023
