Sharks ready for Russia Round Two
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks XV will take on the Russian national side in a pre-season warm-up match at Kings Park on Friday.
As was the case with their encounter with NWU Pukke last week, this is a composite team of juniors, with a number of new faces and a few recognizable players who have done the Black and White jersey proud in the past.
Russia will be smarting from their big 14-64 loss to the Sharks first-choice last week and are expected to give this young side a good test of their abilities.
The front row presents plenty of experience - with Juan Schoeman and Craig Burden partnering, Khutha Mchunu.
Promising young Evan Roos will have Sharks Under-19 and South African Under-20 captain Phepsi Buthelezi guiding him among the loose forwards.
Newly signed flyhalf Jordan Chiat will have the experienced Cameron Wright as his partner in an otherwise exciting line-up.
Mike Vowles coaches the 26-man team.
Sharks XV: 15 Thaakir Abrahams, 14 Mtungwa Mapantsela, 13 DJ Falconer, 12 Murray Koster, 11 Ayanda Kunene, 10 Jordan Chait, 9 Cameron Wright, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi (captain), 7 Celimpilo Gumede, 6 Evan Roos, 5 Jordan Sesink-Clee, 4 Lunga Ncube, 3 Khutha Mchunu, 2 Craig Burden, 1 Juan Schoeman.
Replacements - from: Cullen van der Merwe, Bandisa Ndlovu, Michael Kumbirai, Jandre Labuschagne, Andisa Ntsila, Kwanda Dimaza, Grant Williams, Jaden Hendrikse, Le Roux Malan, Rynhardt Jonker, Lwandile Menze.
Date: Friday, January 17
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 15.00
Referee: Divan Uys