Sharks unleash Bok brigade for unbeaten Ulster

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach John Plumtree revealed a powerful side to tackle the unbeaten Ulster at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday.

The Sharks selected their big guns for the first home game of the United Rugby Championship as the Sharks look to unleash powerfully and emphatically against Ulster at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday.

Back from their heroics in the Rugby Championship are forwards Ox Nche, Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi, who join fellow Boks Bongi Mbonambi and Vincent Koch after the pair played off the bench last week.

Scrumhalf Grant Williams and inside centre Andre Esterhuizen join a star-studded backline with Siya Masuku getting his first start of the campaign after playing off the bench last week.

Another player making his return from injury is Jordan Hendrikse, who provides cover off a powerful bench.

Sharks: 15 Edwill van der Merwe, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Jurenzo Julius,12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka (captain), 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche
Replacements: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Simphiwe Matanzima, 18 Ruan Dreyer, 19 Bathobele Hlekani, 20 Manu Tshituka, 21 Jaden Hendrikse, 22 Jordan Hendrikse, 23 Lukhanyo Am.

Date: Saturday, October 18
Venue: Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 16.00 (15.00 Ireland & UK time, 14.00 GMT)
Referee: Ben Whitehouse (Wales)
Assistant referees: Morne Ferreira (South Africa), Sean Muller (South Africa)
TMO: Ben Connor (Wales)