13 Springboks start against Ulster as Sharks bolstered by Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth return for first home game
With Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth included in the starting lineup, John Plumtree has embraced the Sharks’ Springboks contingent’s homecoming for their first home game of the season. Ten of the 13 Springboks on the run-on squad were a part of Rassie Erasmus’ squad during South Africa’s successful Rugby Championship title defense. The Durbanites will play Irish province Ulster at Kings Park Stadium on Saturday.
Returning Springboks
A new signer In an unchanged back three from last week’s loss to Leinster, Edwill van der Merwe has been selected at full-back for the United Rugby Championship matchup against Ulster, with Makazole Mapimpi and Ethan Hooker playing on the wings. After previously locking down for South Africa, the pair is locking down together for the first time in Sharks colors.
Ox Nche rejoins Bongi Mbonambi and Vincent Koch in the front row, the latter two holding onto their spots from the previous week, completing the all-Springbok group.
Lost chance as SANZAAR approves the All Blacks, Springboks’ visits, and the Rugby Championship’s continued existence Bathobele Hlekani and Emmanuel Tshituka round out the five forwards in the 5-3 split, while Fez Mbatha, Simphiwe Matanzima, and Ruan Dreyer cover the front row from the bench. Lukhanyo Am and Springboks backs Jaden and Jordan Hendrikse round out the squad.
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, and Yaw Penxe were all ruled out of the selection process because of injuries.
It’s very exciting to be back playing at Hollywoodbets Kings Park this weekend,” said wing Hooker.
“I want to make my home team proud, the vibe is pretty good being back and you get that sense of a home feeling.
“On Saturday, we’re all excited and eager to play for our supporters. They are just as excited about this week’s game as we are. We’ve put in a lot of training, great things are on the horizon, and we want to see a full stadium cheering and enjoying a fantastic rugby match. Sharks: 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 14 Ethan Hooker, 15 Edwill van der Merwe, 11 Mapimpi Makazole, 10 Siya Masuku 9 Grant Williams Seven Vincent Tshituka (c), six Siya Kolisi, five Marvin Orie, four Eben Etzebeth, three Vincent Koch, two Bongi Mbonambi, one Ox Nche, and eight Phepsi Buthelezi
Replacements: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Simphiwe Matanzima, 18 Ruan Dreyer, 19 Bathobele Hlekani, 20 Emmanuel Tshituka, 21 Jaden Hendrikse, 22 Jordan Hendrikse, 23 Lukhanyo Am
Location: Durban’s Hollywoodbets Kings Park Kickoff times are 15.00 IRE and UK and 16.00 ITA and SA.
Ben Whitehouse officiated the 111th league game for WRU.
Assistant Referees: Morne Ferreira (SARU), Sean Muller (SARU) TMO: WRU’s Ben Connor Live on: URC.tv, Flo Rugby, Premier Sports, and SuperSport
