The Sharks have named two-time Springbok world champion Eben Etzebeth as captain of the side to face Exeter Chiefs in their Investec Champions Cup opener in Durban on Saturday.
A Bok-laden Sharks lineup will take the field in the first-round clash at Kings Park. Etzebeth, who led the Durbanites to 2023-24 EPCR Challenge Cup title glory, is back after being rested for the Vodacom URC round 7 win against the DHL Stormers last week.
He will partner Emile van Heerden in the second row, with Siya Kolisi relinquishing the captaincy but retained in a powerful loose trio with Vincent Tshituka and James Venter.
The front row sees loosehead prop Ox Nche pack down alongside fellow World Cup winners Bongi Mbonami and Trevor Nyakane.
In the backline, Bok scrumhalf Grant Williams partners flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse, while Eduan Keyter comes in for Ethan Hooker on the right wing.
Hooker shifts to outside centre in a midfield which will be anchored by Bok Andre Esterhuizen, with in-form fullback Aphelele Fassi completing the backline threat.
Jordan’s brother Jaden Hendrikse is poised to feature off the bench alongside Dylan Richardson, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Hanro Jacobs, Jason Jenkins, Phepsi Buthelezi, Siya Masuku and Francois Venter.
Sharks – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Eduan Keyter, 13 Ethan Hooker, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Siya Kolisi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 James Venter, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Eben Etzebeth (c), 3 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.
Subs: 16 Dylan Richardson, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Jason Jenkins, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Jaden Hendrikse, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Francois Venter.
Your Hollywoodbets Sharks starting XV for the Investec Champions Cup opener🔥
Read full team release article here: https://t.co/q4B36dXPNu#InvestecChampionsCup #SHAvEXE pic.twitter.com/ADZnDVXR8w
— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) December 6, 2024
Photo: @Springboks/Twitter
