No Kolisi as Sharks surprise with captaincy

Yesterday at 09:43 AM

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks welcome back a few players to balance those lost to injury as they turn their focus to the United Rugby Championship and their Round 10 clash against Cardiff at the Arms Park on Saturday.

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Two of South Africa's most exciting talents get the opportunity to showcase their potential as a match-winning midfield partnership with head coach John Plumtree having paired Ethan Hooker and Jurenzo Julius as the starting inside and outside centres for this match.

Vincent Tshituka is back in action and captain's the team.

A shortage of locks due to injury sees Tshituka starting at lock instead of his customary loose forward role, with the front row remaining intact, there is only one other change to the pack where Nick Hatton comes in for Siya Kolisi (who is on a mandatory Springbok rest period) at No.8.

There are also welcome returns for wing Makazole Mapimpi and Jordan Hendrikse, the latter to start at fullback.

Sharks: 15 Jordan Hendrikse, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Ethan Hooker, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Nick Hatton, 7 Emmanuel Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Jason Jenkins, 4 Vincent Tshituka (captain), 3 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Replacements: 16 Ethan Bester, 17 Ruan Dreyer, 18, Vincent Koch, 19 Deon Slabbert, 20 Jeandre Labuschagne, 21 Jaden Hendrikse, 22 Francois Venter, 23 Lukhanyo Am