The Sharks Head Coach John Plumtree made three changes to the starting line-up that beat the Bulls 29-19 for the first of their back-to-back matches against the Lions in Johannesburg.
Jaden Hendrikse returns from mandatory Springbok rest with Grant Williams dropping to the bench as a result, Westville Old Boy Deon Slabbert starts for the first time at lock in place of Corne Rahl and the injured Trevor Nyakane is replaced by former Lions prop Ruan Dreyer.
The Sharks’ impressive victory in Pretoria, despite three yellow cards and conceding 17 penalties, highlighted their ability to trust the plan and strike when required but Plumtree admitted that they need to work on their discipline…
The bench meanwhile has been strengthened with experience as they welcome back Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi and Eduan Keyter.
The Sharks are fortunate to have two quality goal-kickers and following a couple of misses at Loftus, Jordan Hendrikse decided to hand the tee to Siya Masuku, a decision which pleased their coach…
Aphelele Fassi’s rehab is ahead of schedule and he looks set to return from injury next month which will give Plumtree a good headache in terms of trying to find space for the Bok fullback in an on form back-line…
The Lions lost 31-19 to the Bulls last week but enjoyed a 30-23 victory over the Stormers the previous Saturday therefore the Kiwi coach is not resting on his laurels…
Hollywoodbets Sharks:
1. Ntuthuko Mchunu Maritzburg College
2. Bongi Mbonambi St Albans College
3. Ruan Dreyer Monument
4. Deon Slabbert Westville Boys
5. Jason Jenkins St Albans College
6. Tinotenda Mavesere Churchill Boys
7. Vincent Tshituka (c) Northcliff High School
8. Phepsi Buthelezi DHS
9. Jaden Hendrikse Glenwood High School
10. Siya Masuku Piet Retief High School
11. Ethan Hooker Westville Boys
12. Lukhanyo Am (vc) De Vos Malan
13. Jurenzo Julius Paul Roos Gimnasium
14. Yaw Penxe Queens College
15. Jordan Hendrikse Glenwood High School
Replacements:
16. Ethan Bester Hilton College
17. Dian Bleuler Oakdale Landbou
18. Vincent Koch Huguenot High School
19. Lappies Labuschagne Maritzburg College
20. Siya Kolisi Grey High School
21. Grant Williams Paarl Gimnasium
22. Francois Venter Grey College
23. Eduan Keyter Affies
The following players are not available for selection due to injury:
Andre Esterhuizen
Aphelele Fassi
Bryce Calvert
Diego Appollis
Dylan Richardson
Eben Etzebeth
Emile van Heerden
Fez Mbatha
Gerbrandt Grobler
Hakeem Kunene (suspension)
James Venter
Khwezi Mona
Makazole Mapimpi (suspension)
Manu Tshituka
Marnus Potgieter
Nick Hatton
Ox Nche
Trevor Nyakane
