Although the Sharks’ team for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship match against the Stormers in Cape Town has few changes, there is a new midfield pick that has been required by Ben Tapuai’s injury.
Following the draw against the same opponents at Kings Park last week, head coach Sean Everitt has made few changes to the team for the return match.
The forward pack that dominated the Stormers at scrum time has been retained, but there is a change at halfback, with Jaden Hendrikse starting at nine and Argentine international Tito Bonilla at 10. Last Saturday’s incumbents Grant Williams and Boeta Chamberlain will play off the bench.
With the injury to inside centre Ben Tapuai, captain Lukhanyo Am has shifted into his place with Jeremy Ward coming off the bench and into the starting line-up at outside centre.
This opens the door for Werner Kok to wear the number 23 jersey, with the final change seeing Reniel Hugo making way for Gerbrandt Grobler
With just two points separating the Sharks and Stormers on the URC table, the importance of this match has been heightened after last weekend’s draw.
Sharks
1. Ox Nche
2. Bongi Mbonambi
3. Thomas du Toit (v/c)
4. Ruben van Heerden
5. Hyron Andrews
6. Siya Kolisi
7. Jeandre Labuschagne
8. Phepsi Buthelezi
9. Jaden Hendrikse
10. Tito Bonilla
11. Makazole Mapimpi
12. Lukhanyo Am (c)
13. Jeremy Ward
14. Sbu Nkosi
15. Aphelele Fassi
Replacements
16. Kerron van Vuuren
17. Ntuthuko Mchunu
18. Khutha Mchunu
19. Gerbrandt Grobler
20. Henco Venter
21. Grant Williams
22. Boeta Chamberlain
23. Werner Kok