There are no fewer than 16 Springboks in the Sharks’ matchday 23 to face Ulster in Round 4 of the United Rugby Championship on Saturday.
Back from their heroics in the Rugby Championship and a break to revitalise energy levels are forwards Ox Nche, Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi who join fellow Boks Bongi Mbonambi and Vincent Koch after the pair played off the bench last week.
Scrumhalf Grant Williams and inside centre Andre Esterhuizen join a star-studded backline with Siya Masuku getting his first start of the campaign after playing off the bench last week. Masuku is joined by another player making his return from injury, Jordan Hendrikse, who provides cover off the powerful bench.
“It’s very exciting to be back playing at Kings Park this weekend,” said wing Ethan Hooker, fresh off scoring in last week’s final tour match against Leinster.
“I want to make my home team proud, the vibe is pretty good being back and you get that sense of a home feeling.
“We’re all keen and looking forward to going out on Saturday and performing for our fans. They can look forward to this week’s game as much as we are. We’ve trained really hard, exciting things are coming and we hope to see a full stadium coming out in support and watching a really good game of rugby.”
Saturday’s match kicks off at 4pm in Durban.
Sharks – 15 Edwill van der Merwe, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Jurenzo Julius,12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka (c), 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Simphiwe Matanzima, 18 Ruan Dreyer, 19 Bathobele Hlekani, 20 Manu Tshituka, 21 Jaden Hendrikse, 22 Jordan Hendrikse, 23 Lukhanyo Am.
