Saffa bruiser to front Sharks in finale
05/23/2024 07:22 AM
Former Lions loose forward Ruan Ackermann has been deployed at openside flanker for Gloucester against the Sharks in the blockbuster decider of the Challenge Cup on Friday.
He is joined in the back row for the EPCR finale at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium by skipper Lewis Ludlow and England standout Zach Mercer.
There is also good news for the Cherry and Whites fans, with fullback Santi Carreras included following his recovery from his appendix operation.
Up front, Jamal Ford-Robinson, Seb Blake and Fraser Balmain start in the front row, with Freddie Clarke and Arthur Clark packing down at No 4 and 5, respectively.
TEAM: Etzebeth to lead Sharks in historic clash
Caolan Englefield was Player of the Match in Gloucester’s last game out, against the Newcastle Falcons, and starts at scrumhalf, with Adam Hastings playing his last game for the club outside him.
Seb Atkinson and Chris line up in the midfield, with Carreras being flanked in the back three by Ollie Thorley and Jonny May, who is set for his 193rd and final appearance in the Cherry and White jersey.
Also set to depart in the off season, Santi Socino, is set for a last hurrah from the bench. Mayco Vivas, Ciaran Knight, Albert Tuisue and Jack Clement are also in reserve for the forwards.
Stephen Varney, Max Llewellyn and Josh Hathaway are set to cover in the backline.
Photo: @gloucesterrugby/Twitter
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