Sharks rush back Springbok duo, as Whitehead takes pivot role
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: United Rugby Championship action returns this week after a month-long international break, with the Sharks taking on Connacht in Galway, Ireland, on Saturday.
With the Springboks taking on Wales earlier, the Sharks have had to make do without most of their internationals, although the bench is boosted by the inclusion of Grant Williams, who has been released from national duty.
There is also a new face, with Griquas stalwart George Whitehead drafted in at flyhalf, where he starts this weekend’s game.
Whitehead will make his Sharks debut and partners with Springbok Jaden Hendrikse.
The backline is brimming with talent. Makazole Mapimpi and Edwill van der Merwe, who is also back from international duty, will start at wing, respectively. Jordan Hendrikse is poised to add his kicking prowess at fullback.
In the midfield, experienced campaigner Francois Venter teams up with rising star Jurenzo Julius, forming a centre pairing that blends leadership with youthful energy.
The forward pack is equally impressive; Marvin Orie and Jason Jenkins are in the second row.
Matt Romao makes his debut in the loose trio alongside the Tshituka brothers, Vincent and Emmanuel.
Phatu Ganyane, Fez Mbatha, and Hanro Jacobs will pack down at the front of the scrums.
Players not considered for selection due to injury: Albie Bester, Aphelele Fassi, Bradley Davids, Bryce Calvert, Coetzee le Roux, Corne Rahl, Diego Appollis, Ethan Bester, Jannes Potgieter, Litelihle Bester, Ruan Dreyer, Simphiwe Matanzima, Trevor Nyakane.
Sharks: 15 Jordan Hendrikse, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Francois Venter, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 George Whitehead, 9 Jaden Hendriks, 8 Emmanuel Tshituka, 7 Vincent Tshituka (captain), 6 Matt Romao, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Phatu Ganyane.
Replacements: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 18 Mawande Mdanda, 19 Emile van Heerden, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Le Roux Malan, 23 Hakeem Kunene
Date: Saturday, November 29
Venue: Dexcom Stadium, Galway
Kick-off: 19.45 (21.45 SA time; 19.45 GMT)
Referee: Ben Breakspear (Wales)
Assistant referees: Andrew Brace (Ireland) and Jack MacNeice (Ireland)
TMO: Keith David (Wales)
