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Sharks surprise with new position for Van der Merwe

By @rugby365com
Thursday 2 Oct 2025

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks named a reshuffled side to face the Dragons at Rodney Parade in Round Two of the United Rugby Championship.

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Head coach John Plumtree made wholesale changes to the backline, with Springbok wing Edwill van der Merwe named to start at fullback in place of the injured Yaw Penxe.

Phiko Sobahle comes into the starting line-up on the right wing whilst Christie Grobbelaar retains his place in the No.11 jumper.

Bok centre Lukhanyo Am shifts to inside centre with Jurenzo Julius promoted from the bench to the No.13 jersey.

Flyhalf Jean Smith will earn his first URC start with Bok scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse moving back to his usual position after deputising at No.10 against Glasgow Warriors.

The forward pack remains unchanged.

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On the bench, Cameron Dawson and Griquas Currie Cup winning captain Cebo Dlamini are in line to make their URC debuts for the Sharks – replacing Dian Bleuler and Lee-Marvin Mazibuko respectively.

Ross Braude and Francois Venter drop down to the bench as well.

Sharks: 15 Edwill van der Merwe, 14 Phiko Sobahle, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Lukhanyo Am, 11 Christie Grobbelaar, 10 Jean Smith, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Vincent Tshituka (captain), 7 Manu Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Deon Slabbert, 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Simphiwe Matanzima.
Replacements: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Cameron Dawson, 18 Cebo Dlamini, 19 Bathobele Hlekani, 20 Nick Hatton, 21 Ross Braude, 22 Francois Venter, 23 Hakeem Kunene

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Date: Friday, October 3
Venue: Rodney Parade, Newport
Kick-off: 20.05 (21.05 SA Time, 19.05 GMT)
Referee: Fillipo Russo (Italy)
Assistant referees: Ben Whitehouse (Wales), Lucas Yendle (Wales)
TMO: Stefano Roscini (Italy)

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, Jason Jenkins, Jannes Potgieter, Jordan Hendrikse, Litelihle Bester, Phatu Ganyane, Siya Masuku, Trevor Nyakane and Yaw Penxe.

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