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09:10
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19:30
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Sharks bring in former Lions bruiser for URC opener

By Warren Fortune
Thursday 24 Sep 2026
Kings Park

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach JP Pietersen has revealed his matchday squad for their United Rugby Championship opener against the Ospreys in Durban.

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Nick Hatton will captain the side from the No.8 position.

He is joined in the back row by Manu Tshituka and Phepsi Buthelezi.

The second row consists of Former Lions lock Darrien Landsberg, who is making his URC debut for the Sharks, and Corne Rahl.

Springbok prop Vincent Koch is the big name in the front row, and he will pack down with Eduan Swart and Phatu Ganyane.

Meanwhile, Vusi Moyo will run the show at flyhalf, and his halfback partner will be Jaden Hendrikse.

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Suleiman Hartzenberg will also make his debut for the Sharks on the wing, and his back three partners will be Litelihle Bester and Luan Giliomee.

Jurenzo Julius and Murray Koster are in the midfield.

Springbok scrumhalf Ivan van Zyl will play off the bench.

Sharks: 15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Murray Koster, 11 Litelihle Bester, 10 Vusi Moyo, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Nick Hatton (captain), 7 Manu Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Darrien Landsberg, 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Eduan Swart, 1 Phatu Ganyane.
Replacements: 16 Esethu Mnebelele, 17 Nemo Roelofse, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Jason Jenkins, 20 Matt Romao, 21 Ivan van Zyl, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Zekhethelo Siyaya.

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Date: Saturday, September 26
Venue: Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 16.00(15.00 IRE & UK time; 14.00 GMT)
Referee: Gianluca Gnecchi (Italy)
Assistant referees: Griffin Colby (South Africa) and Dylen November (South Africa)
TMO: Fillipo Russo (Italy)

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