Bok boost for Sharks
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks backline received a major boost for their United Rugby Championship clash against Leinster on Saturday.
The Shark have named Springbok fullback Aphelele Fassi in the starting XV that will host Leinster at Kings Park this weekend.
Leinster head to Durban full of confidence from their successful campaign in the URC, but missing a number of internationals, while the Sharks have named an almost unchanged line-up from the one that scored a five-pointer against the Lions in their last outing.
With Leinster’s focus alternating between the URC and the Champions Cup, player welfare plays a big role and to this end, they have only brought six players to South Africa with them from last week’s match 23 against Connacht.
They still have numerous experienced internationals on their two-match tour and will, as their log position confirms, present an enormous challenge to a Sharks side itself riding a wave of confidence.
Aphelele Fassi makes a welcome return to the side after an injury lay-off that saw him miss a number of games and his speed, agility and x-factor will no doubt test the Irish visitors and tournament log leaders.
The only other change to the matchday 23 is rotational, where Le Roux Roets partners Gerbrandt Grobler in the second row with Reniel Hugo moving to the bench.
Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Ben Tapuai, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Phendulani Buthelezi, 7 Henco Venter, 6 Siyamthanda Kolisi, 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Le Roux Roets, 3 Thomas du Toit (captain), 2 Mbongeni Mbonambi, 1 Retshegofaditswe Nche.
Replacements: 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Khutha Mchunu, 19 Reniel Hugo, 20 Jeandre Labushagne, 21 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Boeta Chamberlain
Date: Saturday, April 23
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 18.15 (16.15 GMT)
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)
Assistant referees: AJ Jacobs (South Africa), Stephan Geldenhuys (South Africa)
TMO: Marius Jonker (South Africa)
💥Team Release💥
Welcome back Aphelele Fassi 🤩
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— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) April 22, 2022
