Etzebeth to lead Sharks in historic clash
05/23/2024 06:14 AM
The Sharks have named two-time Springbok world champion Eben Etzebeth as captain of the side to take on Gloucester in the Challenge Cup final in London on Friday night.
Head coach John Plumtree has stuck with the team that beat Clermont in the semi-finals, with injuries to Jaden Hendrikse and Lukhanyo Am forcing the Bok duo out of the game.
In the only changes to the starting XV, Gerbrandt Grobler comes in for Emile van Heerden at lock and Francois Venter moves into the inside centre position with Ethan Hooker replacing Am.
Dylan Richardson and Eduan Keyter have been rewarded with a place in the matchday 23 for the EPCR finale at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
"The mood in the camp is pretty good, everyone is focussed," said loosehead prop Ox Nche, who will be playing his 50th international competition game for the Sharks. "It's a big game for us all, everyone is in tune and excited; we just want to give it our all."
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Nche admits that of vital importance is staying focussed and not being overwhelmed by the occasion: "Keeping players calm and everyone focussed on what they need to do and how they can help the team; that's our biggest task at the moment.
"This is a serious game, it means a lot to us, it's something we haven't done as a union and it's going to be as big a challenge for us.”
"We're approaching it the same way: the intensity is the same because we could be the first South African team to win a European title,” he added.
"It would be an amazing reward if we did it!"
Sharks – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Ethan Hooker, 12 Francois Venter, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 James Venter, 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Eben Etzebeth (c), 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.
Subs: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Lappies Labuschagne, 20 Dylan Richardson, 21 Cameron Wright, 22 Curwin Bosch, 23 Eduan Keyter.
It's do or die for both team #ChallengeCup#GLOvSHA#RoadToRedemptionpic.twitter.com/MebfhWmbkx
— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) May 23, 2024
Photo: Patrick Khachfe/Getty Images
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