Major boost as Etzebeth returns for Lions showdown
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks host the Lions in the two teams’ opening match of the year when they meet in Round Eight of the United Rugby Championship at Kings Park on Saturday.
On the back of a disappointing one-point loss to the Stormers last weekend, the Sharks are eager to overturn their fortunes this weekend at home.
The match in Cape Town was certainly encouraging for the Sharks, who displayed the kind of performances they’re aiming to play – regularly.
The Durban side will be hoping the upcoming clash with the Lions will prove just what they’re capable of.
In changes from last week’s side, Sharks head coach John Plumtree has selected Fez Mbatha at hooker with Kerron van Vuuren shifting to the bench, while Hanro Jacobs replaces Coenie Oosthuizen who has carried a massive workload over the past two months.
After missing last week’s clash with the Stormers, Eben Etzebeth is back from a stomach bug.
The double World Cup winner will partner in the second row with Gerbrandt Grobler, who makes a welcome return from injury and takes over from Emile van Heerden.
Grant Williams and Jaden Hendrikse swapping scrumhalf duties is the only change to a settled backline.
Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Lukhanyo Am (captain), 12 Francois Venter, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Lappies Labuschagne, 6 James Venter, 5 Gebrandt Grobler, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Joel Hintz, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 George Cronje, 21 Jaden Hendrikse, 22 Boeta Chamberlain, 23 Rohan Janse van Rensburg
Date: Saturday, January 6
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 17.00 (15.00 GMT)
Referees: Morne Ferreira
Assistant Referees: Cwengile Jadezweni & Stephan Geldenhuys
TMO: Quinton Immelman
