Sharks load up on Bok beef for league finale

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks coach John Plumtree has bulked up his team with some serious Springbok muscle for their Round 18 United Rugby Championship face-off with the Scarlets at Kings Park on Saturday.

It is the final round of league action before the play-offs.

The motivation for adding some additional Bok beef is that victory, if Leinster defeat Glasgow Warriors, will guarantee the Sharks third place in the standings.

Plumtree has freshened up his pack with four changes, but retained his backs, opting for continuity and growth of a dangerous and exciting backline.

Amongst the forwards, Ox Nche returns at loosehead prop after missing last week’s game, taking over from Dian Bleuler.

Emile van Heerden also makes his return to the second row, with Jason Jenkins dropping down to the bench, in place of Emmanuel Tshituka – the latter ruled out with a concussion.

Eben Etzebeth, after suffering a blow to the leg last week, has been passed fit to play.

The 131-capped Bok will continue to lead the side, and the vice-captaincy has been handed to Andre Esterhuizen.

Bok captain Siya Kolisi is missing out this week, being ‘rested’ as part of the national team protocol.

Phepsi Buthelezi starts at No.8.

The final change sees Tino Mavesere replacing James Venter on the flank.

Currently in sixth place on the log, Scarlets’ hold on a top-eight finish isn’t assured, with the four trailing sides below them all still in the hunt for the knock-outs.

They are chasing a first-ever appearance in the knock-outs since the tournament was changed from the Pro14 to the URC, all of which just adds spice to this highly anticipated match.

Players not available for selection due to injury or illness include Corne Rahl, Dylan Richardson, Gerbrandt Grobler, Grant Williams, Henry Immelman, Jordan Hendrikse, Lukhanyo Am, Marnus Potgieter, Ruan Dryer and Trevor Nyakane.

Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Tino Mavesere, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Eben Etzebeth (captain), 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Jason Jenkins, 20 Nick Hatton, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Francois Venter, 23 Yaw Penxe.

Date: Saturday, May 17
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 19.30 (1830 UK time; 17.30 GMT)
Referee: Andrea Piardi
Assistant referees: Griffin Colby, Stephan Geldenhuys
TMO: Gianluca Gnecchi