Siya Kolisi returns to lead a Springbok-laden Sharks lineup in their derby clash with the Vodacom Bulls at Kings Park in round 8 of the Vodacom URC on Saturday.
However, among those not considered for the second of two all-SA showdowns this weekend in the URC, due to injury, are Bok world champions Bongi Mbonambi, Eben Etzebeth, Grant Williams and Lukhanyo Am.
Kolisi, who was rested for last week’s heavy defeat against the Leicester Tigers in the Investec Champions Cup, starts in a team that includes several other changes in the wake of the Twickenham Stoop mauling.
There are 13 survivors in the matchday squad that turned out against the English giants – backs Yaw Penxe, Ethan Hooker, Siya Masuku, Jordan and Jaden Hendrikse, with forwards Emmanuel Tshituka, Phepsi Buthelezi, Emile van Heerden, Jason Jenkins, Dylan Richardson, Ethan Bester, Trevor Nyakane, and Corne Rahl.
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Vincent Koch anchors a new-look front row with fellow World Cup winner Ox Nche and hooker Dylan Richardson. Kolisi links up with Tshituka and Buthelezi in the loose trio, while Jenkins and Van Heerden continue their partnership in the second row.
In the backline, Penxe shifts from left wing to the right in place of Eduan Keyter, with two-time World Cup winner Makazole Mapimpi deployed on the other end of the line and Aphelele Fassi is recalled at fullback.
Siblings Jordan and Jaden comprise the halfback pairing while Hooker is partnered in midfield with Bok powerhouse Andre Esterhuizen.
The exciting Jurenzo Julius and veteran Bok prop Ruan Dreyer are in line to make an impact as replacements, along with Bester, Nyakane, Rahl, Masuku, Nick Hatton and Cameron Wright.
Sharks – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Ethan Hooker, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Siya Kolisi (c), 7 Emmanuel Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Dylan Richardson, 1 Ox Nche.
Subs: 16 Ethan Bester, 17 Ruan Dreyer, 18 Trevor Nyakane, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Nick Hatton, 21 Cameron Wright, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Jurenzo Julius.
All in 🦈@Vodacom #URC #SHAvBUL pic.twitter.com/KuEfZMuwAK
— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) December 18, 2024
Photo: @SharksRugby/Twitter
