Sharks get some international muscle back for Cape Town trip
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks team to play the Stormers in a United Rugby Championship Round Nine match in Cape Town has been bolstered by the return of a couple of international players.
The forward trio of Scotland hooker Dylan Richardson, lock Emile van Heerden and No.8 Siya Kolisi have all been passed fit after withdrawing from the match late last week.
The two-time World Cup-winning Springbok captain, Kolisi, leads the Sharks this weekend.
In other changes, Ethan Hooker shifts from centre to wing to accommodate the absence of Makazole Mapimpi, with the highly-rated, exciting Jurenzo Julius getting a start after wearing the No.23 jersey last week.
“For us, this week was about getting a few bodies back for this match,” explained coach John Plumtree.
“We had eight forwards out from the pack against the Bulls but the nice thing about coming back from England and getting a win against them is that the boys will go into this game with confidence.
“Going down to Cape Town and beating the Stormers isn’t easy, but we’re looking forward to it.”
Missing so many players last week proved to be a major challenge, but the role and contribution of senior team members must never be underestimated.
Once again, they will be called upon to provide guidance and motivation.
“The leaders are doing a good job, demanding standards and even when the chips are down, someone has to step up, and they do,” Plumtree concluded.
Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Siya Kolisi (captain), 7 Emmanuel Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Dylan Richardson, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Bryce Calvert, 17 Ruan Dreyer, 18 Trevor Nyakane, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Nicholas Hatton, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Francois Venter.
Date: Saturday, December 28
Venue: Cape Town Stadium
Kick-off: 17.00 (15.00 GMT)
Referee: Aimee Barret-Theron (South Africa)
Assistant referees: AJ Jacobs (South Africa) and Stephan Geldenhuys (South Africa)
TMO: Marius Jonker (South Africa)
