Sharks get Bok boost for Leinster clash

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks see the timely return of a handful of Springboks for their outing against Leinster at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday.

The timing couldn’t be better, with Makazole Mapimpi and Ethan Hooker both handed starts for this final match on tour, and Vincent Koch and Bongi Mbonambi adding presence off the bench, along with a welcome return for Siya Masuku.

The only other change sees Jason Jenkins replacing Deon Slabbert in the second row.

This final tour match is an opportunity to show the growth before the Sharks return home to Hollywoodbets Kings Park.

For vice-captain Lukhanyo Am, the development of squad depth has been pleasing in light of the absence of Springbok players, injuries and disruptions. He acknowledges how the young players who have been given opportunities have taken them with both hands.

“We’ve been really impressed with the young blood coming through, guys showing such grit in the past two games,” he explains.

“It’s the beginning of the season and we have so much potential to grow.”

And the boost from the Bok squad?

“They’re quality players, they will fit in perfectly and having them in our squad will definitely help us.”

He admits that the team is motivated to finish the tour with a bang and the fact that they’re up against the titleholders only adds to their desire.

“It’s the last game on tour and we’re facing a quality side, the champs, but this is one game everyone is really excited about and looking forward to playing. We have a lot to prove playing Leinster at their home ground.

“Leinster are coming back from tour, playing their first game back at home with their British & Irish Lions players returning, while we’ve had a boost with some Springbok guys joining us, so we want to finish the tour on a high.

“They’re a quality side and when you face a team like that, you must capitalise on the opportunities you get. They have great players and great systems, but for us, it’s when we do create those opportunities, we have to ensure nine out of ten times we capitalise.”

*Players not considered for selection due to injury: Albie Bester, Aphelele Fassi, Bradley Davids, Bryce Calvert, Coetzee le Roux, Corne Rahl, Diego Appollis, Emile van Heerden, Ethan Bester, Gideon Koegelenberg, Hanro Jacobs, Jaco Williams, Jannes Potgieter, Jordan Hendrikse, Litelihle Bester, Phatu Ganyane, Trevor Nyakane, and Yaw Penxe.

Sharks: 15 Edwill van der Merwe, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Lukhanyo Am, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jean Smith, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Vincent Tshituka (captain), 7 Emmanuel Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Simphiwe Matanzima
Replacements: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Bathobele Hlekani, 20 Nick Hatton, 21 Ross Braude, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Francois Venter

Date: Saturday, October 11
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Kick-off: 17.30 (18.30 SA time; 16.30 GMT)
Referee: Craig Evans (Wales)
Assistant referees: Keane Davison (Ireland) & Dan Carson (Ireland)
TMO: Keith David (Wales)