World Cup winners are back in the Shark Tank
WATCH as the Sharks’ full collection of World Cup winners start training with the team.
The Durban-based franchised revealed the mass return of champions, as they started the build-up to their Round Six United Rugby Championship encounter with the Dragons.
They will look to end an unprecedented five-match losing start to their season – with losses to Munster (21-34), Leinster (13-34), Ospreys (5-19), Zebre (10-12) and Connacht (12-13).
The last of those was their first home game – at Kings Park last week, the same venue where they will face the Dragons.
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Ox Nché, Eben Etzebeth, Grant Williams, Jaden Hendrikse, Lukhanyo Am And Makazole Mapimpi all trained with the team.
Am played against Connacht last week, but for the rest it will be their first outing since the Springboks record-breaking win over New Zealand in the World Cup Final last month.
Still missing is two-time World Cup winner Bongi Mbonambi, who will be sidelined for the entire season.
Coach John Plumtree confirmed that among the 12 players on the injury list are two World Cup winners – Mbonambi (knee) and Vincent Koch (knee).
Mbonambi was injured and left the field after just four minutes in the 12-11 World Cup Final win over New Zealand at Stade de France in Paris last month, while Koch has been struggling with his injury since the pool stages of the tournament.
“Vincent [Koch] will be back after three months,” Plumtree told @rugby365com, adding: “Bongi [Mbonambi] a bit longer.”
* Picture credit: Steve Haag Sport
The Boks are back!!! Welcoming our back to back RWC champions 🏆🏆#FearTheFin pic.twitter.com/00P1Jobrkr
— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) November 22, 2023
Strength in unity 💪#FearTheFin pic.twitter.com/V9FZ7dbx1r
— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) November 22, 2023
Behind the scenes with our strength & conditioning coach 💪#FearTheFin pic.twitter.com/B0CdveR02C
— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) November 22, 2023
