The Sharks go into this weekend’s first of two consecutive United Rugby Championship clashes with the Lions in high spirits as they look to continue their form.
Bonus point wins over Cardiff (in Wales) and the Bulls (in Pretoria) in their last two fixtures, despite the injury woes they have suffered, demonstrate the fighting spirit in a team that is well-placed on the overall log.
The fact that they have found ways to win shows that they are on the right path and that the players themselves not only buy into the plan but are capable of executing on match day.
“What’s really rewarding for us is that the boys are believing in themselves and believing in our game model,” explains head coach John Plumtree.
The Sharks coach would have also been all smiles at having a relatively unscathed squad from the last match, and the satisfaction of welcoming back some of his stalwarts.
The Lions go into this game off the back of a 31-19 loss to the Bulls, but a 30-23 home victory over the Stormers the previous weekend will have built confidence for the team.
Plumtree welcomes back Springbok scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse who replaces Grant Williams at scrumhalf, with the latter playing off the bench.
In the other two changes to the starting XV, the injured Trevor Nyakane is replaced by Ruan Dreyer while Deon Slabbert comes in for Corne Rahl at lock, with Vincent Tshituka continuing his role as captain.
Also on the bench are Springboks Vincent Koch and Siya Kolisi. Saturday’s match at Emirates Airline Park kicks off at 2.30pm.
Sharks – 15 Jordan Hendrikse, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Lukhanyo Am, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka (c), 6 Tinotenda Mavesere, 5 Jason Jenkins, 4 Deon Slabbert, 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu
Replacements: 16 Ethan Bester, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Lappies Labuschagne, 20 Siya Kolisi, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Francois Venter, 23 Eduan Keyter
