Siya Kolisi will lead the Sharks in their United Rugby Championship clash with Zebre Parma at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday.
Vincent Tshituka returns from injury as he replaces Lappies Labuschagne in the only change amongst the forwards, while brothers Jaden and Jordan Hendrikse take on the role of halfback partnership with scrumhalf Grant Williams out of the game.
There is a welcome return for Makazole Mapimpi on the wing, which means Ethan Hooker and Jurenzo Julius once again partner up in the midfield in the only other changes to the team that defeated the Lions.
Springbok Andre Esterhuizen is a notable returnee after injury, and he gets his first run off the bench this week.
Jurenzo Julius, commenting on being the newly-crowned Junior Springbok of the Year Award winner admitted that, “Winning the award was an honour, I’ve worked hard putting in the work and I’m extremely grateful for having won the award.”
Having also been involved in the Springbok alignment camp, Julius’ shares continue to rise and aspirations of playing for his country become ever closer to turning a dream into reality. He has continued to impress in the Black & White jersey and his contributions can only benefit his ambitions.
“Since coming to Durban, I’ve set my sights on playing for the Springboks, I’ve had small goals like making the Junior Boks and getting my first senior cap, and now I’m moving closer to the Boks, which is now in reach,” he added.
Casting his eyes to the immediate future, Julius believes that Zebre offer a big challenge that should be taken seriously.
“We expect a fight, a physical battle, they’ve beaten a few big teams and we expect them to come here and try to upset us,” said the 20-year-old.
“They’re only a few points outside the top 8 and we aren’t taking them lightly at all. Everyone is focused and ready to go.”
Sharks – 15 Henry Immelman, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Ethan Hooker, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Siya Kolisi (c), 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Corné Rahl, 20 James Venter, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Francois Venter, 23 Andre Esterhuizen.
