Five Springbok stars — Ox Nche, Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Grant Williams, and André Esterhuizen — have been named in the Sharks squad as the Durban side seeks their first United Rugby Championship (URC) win of the season against Ulster at Hollywoodbets Kings Park this Saturday....Click to Read More >>➤
Springboks Strengthen Sharks Line-up
The trio of forwards — Nche, Etzebeth, and Kolisi — return from national duty to join fellow Boks Bongi Mbonambi and Vincent Koch, who featured off the bench during the Sharks’ 31-5 defeat to Leinster last week.
In the backline, scrumhalf Grant Williams and inside centre André Esterhuizen bring much-needed experience and firepower. Flyhalf Siya Masuku earns his first start of the campaign after featuring as a substitute, while Jordan Hendrikse returns from injury to provide cover from the bench.
The Sharks are hoping that the injection of Springbok quality can turn their fortunes around after three consecutive losses to open their URC season. Their opponents, Ulster, arrive in Durban buoyed by a commanding 28-7 win over the Bulls in Belfast.
Players Hungry for a Home Win
Wing Ethan Hooker, who scored the Sharks’ only try against Leinster, expressed his excitement ahead of the team’s homecoming.
“It’s very exciting to be back playing at Hollywoodbets Kings Park this weekend,” Hooker said. “I want to make my home team proud — the vibe is pretty good being back, and you get that sense of a home feeling.”
He added that the squad is determined to claim their first victory of the campaign. “We’ve trained really hard, exciting things are coming, and we hope to see a full stadium supporting us and watching a really good game of rugby.”
Confirmed Matchday Squad
Starting XV:
Edwill van der Merwe, Ethan Hooker, Jurenzo Julius, André Esterhuizen, Makazole Mapimpi, Siya Masuku, Grant Williams, Phepsi Buthelezi, Vincent Tshituka (c), Siya Kolisi, Marvin Orie, Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche.
Bench:
Fez Mbatha, Simphiwe Matanzima, Ruan Dreyer, Bathobele Hlekani, Emmanuel Tshituka, Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Lukhanyo Am.
Unavailable due to injury:
Albie Bester, Aphelele Fassi, Bradley Davids, Bryce Calvert, Coetzee le Roux, Corne Rahl, Diego Appollis, Emile van Heerden, Ethan Bester, Hanro Jacobs, Jannes Potgieter, Litelihle Bester, Phatu Ganyane, Trevor Nyakane, Yaw Penxe.
Can the Sharks break their losing streak at home against Ulster? Share your thoughts below. ...Click to Read More >>➤
