Springbok giants boost Sharks lineup
The Sharks boast a star-studded lineup, including 12 capped Springboks, despite the absence of four frontline Test stars.
The Sharks have picked a Springbok-laden team for their United Rugby Championship encounter against Zebre Parma at Kings Park on Saturday.
Sitting comfortably in fourth position on the log, the Sharks were already odds-on favourites heading into this clash against the lowly Zebre, but their odds increased even more following the team announcement, which revealed that no less than 12 capped Springboks featuring in the match 23.
Springbok midfielder Andre Esterhuizen will mark his return to action via the bench after a lengthy injury layoff, as does speedster Makazole Mapimpi, who is fast-tracked into the run-on lineup with a start on the left wing.
Brothers Jordan and Jaden Hendrikse form the halfback-axis, while the loose trio consists of Springbok duo Siya Kolisi and Pepsi Buthelezi coupled with Vincent Tshituka.
Springbok front rowers Vincent Koch, Bongi Mbonambi and Ox Nche are joined in the tight five by fellow international Jason Jenkins; while benched utility back Francois Venter and prop Ntuthuko Mchunu complete the Bok contingent.
The notable absentees from this Sharks side are Springbok quartet Lukhanyo Am, Eben Etzebeth, Aphelele Fassi and Grant Williams.
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.
Bench: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 James Venter, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Francois Venter, 23 Andre Esterhuizen.
WHICH URC FIXTURE ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO?
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SPRINGBOK LUKHANYO AM IN ACTION FOR THE SHARKS
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