Suleiman gets midfield shot for Sharks against Lions
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach JP Pieteren has revealed his team for Friday’s pre-season clash against the Lions at Ellis Park.
The matchday squad includes SA Under 20 players, those who featured in the Currie Cup, as well as some familiar faces who have represented the franchise as well as the national side in the past.
Corne Rahl, co-captain Phepsi Buthelezi, No.8 Manu Tshituka (who moves from the flank where he played last week), Litelihle Bester, who shifts from outside centre to the wing in place of Makazole Mapimpi, and Luan Giliomee are the only players retained from last week’s match against the SWD Eagles.
Despite the 66-nil victory over the team from George and the argument to retain a winning formula, Pietersen continues to test combinations and add game time to the wider playing squad that will feature in this year’s United Rugby Championship competition.
Simphiwe Matanzima at loosehead is one such new face, and he fronts up with Liam van Wyk and Hanro Jacobs, with Darrien Landsberg the fourth new face in the tight five.
Matt Romao comes into the starting line-up at flank to complete the changes in the pack, while co-captain Jaden Hendrikse and brother Jordan form the halfback pairing.
Janco Purchase will partner Suleiman Hartzenberg in the midfield and Yaw Penxe returns to complete the rotational changes for this match.
Sharks: 15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 12 Jaco Purchase, 11 Litelihle Bester, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Jaden Hendrikse (co-captain), 8 Manu Tshituka, 7 Matt Romao, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi (co-captain), 5 Darrien Landsberg, 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Liam van Wyk, 1 Simphiwe Matanzima.
Replacements: 16 Esethu Mnebelele, 17 Phatu Ganyane, 18 Nemo Roelofse, 19 Johan Momsen, 20 Jason Jenkins, 21 Thomas Dyer, 22 Tino Mavesere, 23 Nick Hatton, 24 Ivan van Zyl, 25 Vusi Moyo, 26 Siya Masuku, 27 Khuthi Rasivhaga, 28 Zekhethelo Siyaya.
Date: Friday, September 11
Venue: 10Bet Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 15.00 (13.00)
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