Sharks field strongest possible team for Munster clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Saturday’s United Rugby Championship quarterfinal clash with Munster at Kings Park looks set to enjoy all kinds of fireworks between the two protagonists.
Sharks head coach John Plumtree has made five changes to the side that defeated Scarlets in the final week of URC pool action, bringing in some key players to do battle against the former champions.
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In the first change, Jason Jenkins and Emile van Heerden swap jerseys in the lock position, with the former starting in place of the latter this week.
James Venter returns to action after sustaining a neck injury against the Ospreys. He takes over from Tino Mavesere at flank.
Two-time World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi returns to the starting line-up at No.8 after taking a Springbok-enforced rest against Scarlets, replacing Phepsi Buthelezi, who will provide energy off the bench.
There are two further changes in the backline as Plumtree welcomes back the Springbok duo of Jordan Hendrikse who replaces the injured Siya Masuku at flyhalf.
Another dual World Cup winner, Lukhanyo Am, returns in place of Jurenzo Julius at outside centre.
Am will earn his 100th cap for the Sharks in international competitions.
Grant Williams, Siya Masuku and Trevor Nyakane are all sidelined due to injuries.
Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Siya Kolisi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 James Venter, 5 Jason Jenkins, 4 Eben Etzebeth (captain), 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Emile van Heerden, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Francois Venter, 23 Yaw Penxe.
Date: Saturday, May 31
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 18.30 (17.30 Ireland & UK time; 16.30 GMT)
Referee: Mike Adamson (Scotland)
Assistant referees: Sam Grove White (Scotland), Morné Ferreira (South Africa)
TMO: Keith David (Wales)
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