Breaking URC news: Sharks name team to face Dragons
The Sharks are braced for a stiff challenge in their clash against the Dragons this Saturday in their second tour match of this year’s URC.
The Sharks are braced for a stiff challenge in their clash against the Dragons this Saturday in their second tour match of this year’s United Rugby Championship.
Just two injury-enforced changes has been made to the Sharks team that defeated Zebre last week, where Justin Basson comes into the starting line-up for Gerbrandt Grobler, with Hyron Andrews taking his place on the bench as well as Anthony Volmink replacing Fred Zeilinga.
A tough trip to Rodney Parade
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Sharks assistant coach Noel McNamara has warned just how tough this match is expected to be.
“We saw with their performance against Munster, they’re in a really positive place and I’m sure people sat up and took note of that result.
“We’re under no illusions as to the challenge we face on Saturday.”
Talking how the Sharks’ approach might change, taking on Welsh opposition after playing the Italians in the first game McNamara admitted, “The weather and surface is going to be different; we saw against Zebre the weather was perfect, the surface fantastic and quick but here it is wet and cold.
“That is one thing, in terms of playing the Dragons, they’re physical and they go hard at the breakdown so that’s going to be particularly important. They have a good set-piece, they caused Munster plenty of problems at maul and scrum time. And they have pace, they have international wingers and if we give them opportunities, we’ll be in trouble.
“We’re looking forward to getting stuck into a very physical and confrontational contest.”
While the weather may not come to the party, McNamara pointed out that they would be playing on a soccer pitch, which won’t get bogged down.
“We are used to a wet ball in Durban, not so much from rain as the heat and humidity, the challenge for us it to have an all-round game, to have the ability to play and at times, when you need to play pressure rugby as well. We’re very much of the mindset that we need to adapt, before or even during the game.”
Sharks Team
1. Ntuthuko Mchunu
2. Kerron van Vuuren
3.Thomas du Toit (c)
4. Justin Basson
5. Reniel Hugo
6. James Venter
7. Dylan Richardson
8. Phepsi Buthelezi
9. Grant Williams
10. Boeta Chamerlain
11. Thaakir Abrahams
12. Ben Tapuai
13. Rohan Janse van Rensburg
14. Werner Kok
15. Aphelele Fassi
Sharks Replacements
16. Dan Jooste
17. Dian Bleuler
18. Carlu Sadie
19. Hyron Andrews
20. Sikhumbuzo Notshe
21. Cameron Wright
22. Marnus Potgieter
23. Anthony Volmink
