Andre Esterhuizen leads a Sharks side boosted by returning Boks, with Eben Etzebeth, Ox Nche and Ethan Hooker named on the bench for Saturday’s Durban showdown.
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The Sharks have named a strong team for their toughest test yet of the new URC season: a Saturday, 3 October clash with defending champions Leinster at Kings Park, kicking off at 18:30 SA time.
Coach JP Pietersen has made five changes to the side that beat the Ospreys at Kings Park on 26 September, plus four changes to the replacements bench, as the Durban franchise chases back-to-back wins.
The returning Boks
Andre Esterhuizen is back at centre and captains the side. Prop Thomas du Toit, who has rejoined the Sharks from Bath, starts at loosehead. Speedster Edwill van der Merwe comes in on the right wing, adding pace to the backline. Etzebeth, Nche and Hooker will all begin on the bench, giving the Sharks serious impact power late on.
Sharks starting XV (changes in brackets)
- Thomas du Toit (for Phatu Ganyane)
- Esethu Mnebelele (for Eduan Swart)
- Vincent Koch
- Jason Jenkins (for Corne Rahl)
- Darrien Landsberg
- Phepsi Buthelezi
- Manu Tshituka
- Nick Hatton
- Jaden Hendrikse
- Vusi Moyo
- Litelihle Bester
- Andre Esterhuizen (c) (for Murray Koster)
- Jurenzo Julius
- Edwill van der Merwe (for Suleiman Hartzenberg)
- Luan Giliomee
Replacements: Ethan Bester, Ox Nche, Hanro Jacobs, Eben Etzebeth, Matt Romao, Ivan van Zyl, Zekhethelo Siyaya, Ethan Hooker
South African URC fixtures this round
- 2 October: Edinburgh v Stormers, 20:45
- 3 October: Lions v Ospreys, Ellis Park, 13:45
- 3 October: Sharks v Leinster, Kings Park, 18:30
- 3 October: Munster v Bulls, Thomond Park, 20:45
Which Springbok are you most excited to see in Round 2? Tell us in the comments.
