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Sharks bring in big names and Junior Bok flyer for Stormers clash

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks interim head coach JP Pietersen has revealed his matchday 23 for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship Round 10 clash against the Stormers in Cape Town.

Pietersen’s side has a strong Springbok influence this week.

Changes to the side see a rotational switch on both sides of the front row, Phatu Ganyane and Vincent Koch in for Ox Nche and Hanro Jacobs, while Corne Rahl makes way for Emile van Heerden.

In the final change to the pack, Phepsi Buthelezi starts ahead of Matt Romao in the back row.

Amongst the backs, Junior Springbok flyer Jaco Williams comes onto the wing, while Andre Esterhuizen takes over the captaincy and the No.12 jersey, with Jurenzo Julius providing cover off the bench.

Ethan Hooker starts in place of Le Roux Malan at outside centre.

*Yaw Penxe passed a late fitness test on Thursday, and he will start in the No.14 jersey.

Siya Kolisi joins fellow Springboks Grant Williams, Vincent Tshituka and Nche on the bench.

Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Ethan Hooker, 12 Andre Esterhuizen (captain), 11 Jaco Williams, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Nick Hatton, 7 Manu Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Phatu Ganyane.
Replacements: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Vincent Tshituka, 20 Siya Kolisi, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Jurenzo Julius.

Date: Saturday, January 24
Venue: DHL Stadium, Cape Town
Kick-off: 19.30 (17.30 GMT)
Referee: Aimee Barrett-Theron (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Hanru van Rooyen (South Africa), Jonathan Lottering (South Africa)
TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)

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