Phepsi Buthelezi will skipper a much-changed Sharks 23 against the Leicester Tigers in their Investec Champions Cup clash at Welford Road on Saturday.
Head coach John Plumtree has opted to manage his players’ workloads and injury toll after last week’s round 1 bonus-point win in Durban.
Buthelezi will combine with Jeandre Labuschagne and Emmanuel Tshituka in a powerful loose trio, while fellow Springbok Jason Jenkins links up with Emile van Heerden in the second row.
The front row includes loosehead prop Ntuthuko Mchunu alongside Scotland international Dylan Richardson and World Cup winner Trevor Nyakane.
In the backline, Bok scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse partners flyhalf Siya Masuku, as Jordan Hendrikse shifts from 10 to fullback in place of Aphelele Fassi.
Yaw Penxe comes in for Makazole Mapimpi on the left wing. Veteran Francois Venter will combine in midfield with the exciting Ethan Hooker to complete the backline threat.
Ethan Bester, Phatu Ganyane, Hanro Jacobs, Corne Rahl, Tinotenda Mavesere, Bradley Davids, Diego Appollis and Hakeem Kunene are poised to make an impact off the bench.
Sharks – 15 Jordan Hendrikse, 14 Eduan Keyter, 13 Ethan Hooker, 12 Francois Venter, 11 Yaw Penxe, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Emmanuel Tshituka, 7 Jeandre Labuschagne, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Dylan Richardson, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Subs: 16 Ethan Bester, 17 Phatu Ganyane, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Tinotenda Mavesere, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Diego Appollis, 23 Hakeem Kunene.
🐅 European kit on a BIG @ChampionsCup night at Mattioli Woods Welford Road!
Get your tickets now: https://t.co/nc94mBklg0
ℹ️ https://t.co/2kHx1KW7pv pic.twitter.com/Uo0KJuSHVV
— Leicester Tigers (@LeicesterTigers) December 13, 2024
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
