Sharks geared for exciting Loftus trip
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks team named to take on the Bulls in Saturday’s United Rugby Championship quarterfinal clash shows just one change from the previous clash two weeks ago.
A bye week following the pools stages of the URC has given the team time to prepare for the knockout rounds that take place this weekend, with the Bulls hosting the Sharks at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria in the South African derby.
The Bulls only just pipped the Sharks – by a solitary log point – to earn home ground advantage for the quarterfinals as late as the final round, after the Durban-based side had led the South African charge.
Sharks coach Sean Everitt has largely stuck with the same starting XV as that which lost to Ulster in Round 18.
Le Roux Roets starts at lock in Ruben van Heerden’s place, with the remainder of the side retained for this big game.
It has been a good week of training and the Sharks are rearing to go.
Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Phendulani Buthelezi, 7 Henco Venter, 6 Siyamthanda Kolisi, 5 Reniel Hugo, 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 Ruben van Heerden, 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Henry Chamberlain, 23 Ben Tapuai.
Date: Saturday, June 4
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Kick-off: 13.45 (11.45 GMT)
Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Mike Adamson (Scotland), Sam Grove-White (Scotland)
TMO: Joy Neville (Ireland)
🔥Vodacom URC Team Release🔥
It’s Quarter Finals time! 🙌
🔗: https://t.co/APOzZk3HZu#OurSharksForever #TacklingNewShores Vodacom #URC #BULvSHA pic.twitter.com/ihWZxuvmVm
— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) June 3, 2022
