Sharks reveal winning formula for Connacht clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt has revealed his team to face Connacht in a United Rugby Championship clash in Durban on Saturday.
Everitt has named the same matchday 23 that beat log leaders Leinster 28-23 at Kings Park last week weekend.
The Sharks will enter the match in fourth place with 51 points.
Connacht are coming off a 33-30 win over the Lions and they are currently in 10th position with 36 points.
With two rounds remaining, the Sharks are looking good for the knock-outs. But not just a participant, explains captain Thomas du Toit.
"We’re not aiming to be in the top eight, we’re looking for a home quarterfinal," he explains. "We’ll treat each game as if it’s our last game and the only opportunity we’re going to get, so the focus on each game is massive.
"We’re treating each game like a final and the value of a home quarterfinal can’t be underestimated. We’re playing for that.”
Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Ben Tapuai, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Phendulani Buthelezi, 7 Henco Venter, 6 Siyamthanda Kolisi, 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Le Roux Roets, 3 Thomas du Toit (captain), 2 Mbongeni Mbonambi, 1 Retshegofaditswe Nche.
Replacements: 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Khutha Mchunu, 19 Reniel Hugo, 20 Jeandré Labuschagne, 21 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Henry Chamberlain.
Date: Saturday, April 30
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 16.05 (15.05 UK & Ireland time; 14.05 GMT)
Referee: Mike Adamson (Scotland)
Assistant referees: Cwengile Jadezweni (South Africa), Stephan Geldenhuys (South Africa)
TMO: Quinton Immelman (South Africa)