Injuries force Sharks coach's hand

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Apart from having to rest an entire front row, a rash of injuries have also forced Sharks coach Sean Everitt to delay the naming of his bench.

After the enforced resting of Springbok players last week, Everitt has been able to bring back his leaders - captain Lukhanyo Am in the midfield and Springbok skipper Siya Kolisi on the side of the scrum.

Also back are flyhalf Curwin Bosch and fullback Aphelele Fassi.

However, Everitt revealed that there are some 'niggles' in the team which forced the delay in naming the bench.

They will make a final call after Friday's captain's run.

The injured players include props Ntuthuko Mchunu and Wiehahn Herbst, centre Marius Louw and utility back Manie Libbok.

World Cup-winning Springbok wing Makazole Mapimpi pulled up with a 'stiff' calf in training, but Everitt suggested he should be good to go.

Springbok squad members Retshegofaditswe Nché and Thomas du Toit are on the national 'rest' roster, but the Sharks coach said he may have to draft them in if any of the other front row forward were to pick an injury or become ill.

(Team is below the video ...)

Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Anthony Volmink, 13 Lukhanyo Am (captain), 12 Marius Louw, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Thembelani Bholi, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 JJ van der Mescht, 3 Khutha Mchunu, 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 1 Khwezi Mona.

Replacements: To be confirmed.

Date: Saturday, June 12

Venue: Kings Park, Durban

Kick-off: 18.15 (16.15 GMT)

Referee: AJ Jacobs

Assistant referees: Jaco Peyper, Griffin Colby

TMO: Stuart Berry