Plumtree tweaks Sharks team for Cheetahs showdown

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach John Plumtree has made two changes to his starting team for Sunday's Challenge Cup Round Two clash against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

In the pack, lock Corne Rahl shifts to the bench to accommodate Le Roux Roets who gets his first start after making his long-awaited return from injury last week.

Meanwhile, wing Werner Kok has been cleared to start and takes over from Marnus Potgieter in the back three.

Young Ethan Hooker gets another chance to impress after a strong showing in his team’s 45-5 drubbing of Pau last week.

The SA Under 20 centre, who hasn’t yet turned 21, featured prominently for the Sharks U20s, captaining the side to the SA Rugby U20 Cup title earlier this year.

Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Lukhanyo Am (captain), 12 Francois Venter, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Phepsi Buthelezi, 6 James Venter, 5 Le Roux Roets, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 1 Ox Nche.

Replacements: 16 Daniel Jooste, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Jeandre Labuschagne, 21 Jaden Hendrikse, 22 Lionel Cronje, 23 Ethan Hooker.

Date: Sunday, December 17

Venue: Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein

Kick-off: 15.00 (13.00)

Referee: Andrea Piardi (Italy)

Assistant referees: Benoit Rousselet (France), Filippo Russo (Italy)

TMO: Eric Gauzins (France)