Sharks bring in their new Bok for Bulls clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt has revealed his team to face the Bulls in a United Rugby Championship Round Seven clash in Pretoria on Sunday.
The Sharks coaching team do not have their main Springboks available for selection this week, but they still have a powerful squad to select from.
The Springboks’ contribution was immense in the victory over Glasgow Warriors two weeks ago, but with their unavailability the squad now reverts to the one that toured and achieved pleasing results overseas.
Changes from the last team that played see only one switch amongst the forward pack, with lock Gerbrandt Grobler replacing Springbok Eben Etzebeth, while three changes amongst the backline have been made.
Cameron Wright takes over from another Springbok, scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse and Thaakir Abrahams is in for Anthony Volmink.
Newly signed, seven-time Springbok capped centre Francois Venter gets his debut start ahead of Marnus Potgieter, who has been named on the bench.
Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Francois Venter, 12 Ben Tapuai, 11 Thaakir Abrahams, 10 Henry Chamberlain, 9 Cameron Wright, 8 Phendulani Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Dylan Richardson, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Gerbrandt Grobler, 3 Thomas du Toit (captain), 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Replacements: 16 Dan Jooste, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Carlu Sadie, 19 Justin Basson, 20 James Venter, 21 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Marnus Potgieter.
Date: Sunday, October 30
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Kick-off: 15.00 (13.00 GMT)
Referee: Marius van der Westhuisen (South Africa)
Assistant referees: AJ Jacobs (South Africa) & Griffin Colby (South Africa)
TMO: Quinton Immelman (South Africa)