Depleted Sharks tackle Bulls at Loftus

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks will be without the services of a host of frontline players when they tackle the Bulls in a SuperFan day in Pretoria on Saturday.

The list of injured players that could not be considered for selection includes Aphelele Fassi (shoulder), Henco Venter (quad Strain), James Venter (concussion), Kerron van Vuuren (chest muscle), Madosh Tambwe (hamstring) and Sibusiso Nkosi (chest).

Springbok wing Makazole Mapimpi is also unavailable, as he is on a one-year sabbatical with Japanese Top League side Red Hurricanes.

Despite this, coach Sean Everitt believes he has a "healthy mix of experience and youth" as they prepare to take on the Bulls at Loftus Versveld.

Everitt has named a strong 30-man squad of 16 forwards and 14 backs, with some regular faces included, while new recruits and some of the juniors who have played under him in the past will also have the opportunity to impress.

(Team below picture)

Sharks squad

Forwards: Ox Nche, Mzamo Majola, Dylan Richardson, Dan Jooste, Thomas du Toit, John-Hubert Meyer, Ruben van Heerden, JJ van der Mescht, Hyron Andrews, Emile van Heerden, Evan Roos, Adam Mountfort, Celimpilo Gumede, Tera Mtembu, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Phepsi Buthelezi.

Backs: Grant Williams, Sanele Nohamba, Jaden Hendrikse, Curwin Bosch, Jordan Chait, Muller du Plessis, Caleb Dingaan, Jeremy Ward, Marius Louw, Lukhanyo Am, JP Pietersen, Werner Kok, Manie Libbok, Thaakir Abrahams.

Date: Saturday, September 26

Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria

Kick-off: 16.30 (14.30 GMT)

Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge

Assistant referees: Aimee Barrett-Theron, Morné Ferreira

TMO: Willie Vos