Wallaby takes centre stage for Sharks against Benetton
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks Director of Rugby Neil Powell has revealed his team for a pivotal United Rugby Championship Round 17 clash against Benetton on Friday.
There is just one change to the starting XV that did duty in last weekend’s Champions Cup quarterfinal defeat in Toulouse.
Centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg, who had to be stretchered off in that play-off after getting concussed, has been ruled out.
In his place comes Australian international Ben Tapuai.
Marnus Potgieter comes onto the bench to provide cover.
This match is an important one for the Sharks.
They must fight off a late challenge from the Italians who are one place lower on the overall log and a point behind.
Sharks: 15 Henry Chamberlain, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Ben Tapuai, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Siyamthanda Kolisi (captain), 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Hyron Andrews, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Mbongeni Mbonambi, 1 Retshegofaditswe Nché.
Replacements: 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Carlü Sadie, 19 Jeandre Labuschagne, 20 Phendulani Buthelezi, 21 Cameron Wright, 22 Marnus Potgieter, 23 Thaakir Abrahams.
Date: Friday, April 14
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 18.30 (18.30 Italy time; 16.30 GMT)
Referee: Ben Whitehouse (Wales)
Assistant referees: Morne Ferreira (South Africa), Stephan Geldenhuys (South Africa)
TMO: Jon Mason (Wales)
