Sharks run into COVID-19 hurdle
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks have confirmed that one of their senior players has tested positive for COVID-19.
It has resulted in a delay in announcing their team for the Super Rugby Unlocked Round Six encounter with Griquas in Kimberley on Friday.
Coach Sean Everitt confirmed that three players have been ruled out of the matchday 23 as a result of the positive case - one in the starting XV and two from the bench.
However, they have not named the positive case or his two 'contacts'.
The player who tested positive will isolate for 14 days, while those identified as having close contact with him are isolating for the next seven days - before being tested again.
Everitt rejigged his side, particularly the forwards.
After playing off the bench in the last few games, hooker Kerron van Vuuren comes in for Daniel Jooste in the starting XV.
Ruben van Heerden is back in the second row after two starts for JJ van der Mescht, who will play off the bench.
In the back row James Venter comes in for Dylan Richardson - with Thembelani Bholi earning a first start and Phepsi Buthelezi completing the loose forward trio.
The exciting Anthony Volmink - who featured in over 100 games for the Lions, before brief stints with the Southern Kings , Griquas and Cheetahs - will make his Shark debut in the No.15 jersey in place of Manie Libbok.
Jeremy Ward, who co-captained the Sharks in last year’s Currie Cup competition with Tera Mtembu, will lead a team.
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Sharks: 15 Anthony Volmink, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Jeremy Ward (captain), 12 Marius Louw, 11 Madosh Tambwe, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Sanele Nohamba, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Thembelani Bholi, 6 James Venter, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 John-Hubert Meyer, 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 1 Retshegofaditswe Nche.
Replacements: 16 Daniel Jooste, 17 Mzamo Majola, 18 Khwezi Mona, 19 JJ van der Mescht, 20 Dylan Richardson, 21 Cameron Wright, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Sibusiso Nkosi.
Date: Friday, November 13
Venue: Griqua Park, Kimberley
Kick-off: 19.00 (17.00 GMT)
Referee: Griffin Colby
Assistant referees: Rasta Rasivhenge, Paul Mente
TMO: Jaco Peyper