Sharks coach Sean Everitt has had to make a few injury forced changes among the forwards, but his backline for this weekend’s clash against the Bulls is as powerful as he could hope to muster.
DURBAN – The Sharks have been disrupted by injuries and Springbok resting protocols ahead of their crunch clash with the Bulls in Durban on Saturday but have nevertheless put together a formidable side for the Rainbow Cup decider.
It is in the forwards that coach Sean Everitt has had his options decimated but his backline for the match is as powerful as he could hope to muster.
Among those that Everitt cannot pick up front are props Thomas du Toit and Ox Nche; locks Ruben van Heerden and Reniel Hugo, hookers Fez Mbatha and Dan Jooste; and flank James Venter.
Everitt has not yet named his bench as he waits to see if some of the above get over niggles or become available.
On a positive note, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi is back in the side; as is Sharks captain Lukhanyo Am, flyhalf Curwin Bosch and fullback Aphelele Fassi.
Everitt says he has every confidence that the combination he has put together can beat the Bulls.
“Last week we went up to the Lions with a new-look team (because a number of players were at the Bok training camp) and we produced a display that surprised quite a few people,” Everitt said. “I think you will see the same on Saturday — all of these players are hungry to play and show what they can do in the jersey.”
Sharks (15-1): Aphelele Fassi, Anthony Volmink, Lukhanyo Am, Marius Louw, Makazole Mapimpi, Curwin Bosch, Jaden Hendrikse, Phepsi Buthelezi, Thembelani Bholi, Siya Kolisi, Hyron Andrews, JJ van der Mescht, Khutha Mchunu, Kerron van Vuuren, Khwezi Mona
