Pietersen Names Sharks Side For Crucial URC Clash Against Lions
Newly appointed Sharks coach J.P Pietersen has named his squad for Saturday’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship showdown against the Lions in Johannesburg.
The Sharks travel to Gauteng for their return-leg, second-round clash looking for revenge after suffering defeat to the Lions in Durban earlier this season.
The fixture marks another important step under Pietersen, who was officially confirmed as permanent head coach on Wednesday. He will be aiming to build on the positive momentum shown before the URC break.
Tshituka to Captain Sharks
Vincent Tshituka captains a side missing several Springboks currently observing player welfare rest protocols.
Despite those absences, there is still considerable experience within the match-day 23 — particularly on the bench. The replacements include three Springboks in Vincent Koch, Phepsi Buthelezi and Jordan Hendrikse, who are expected to provide impact and composure in the latter stages of the contest.
Top Eight and SA Shield in Sight
The Hollywoodbets Sharks head into the encounter with clear objectives. Currently ninth on the overall log, they are pushing for a top-eight finish while also targeting the South African Shield.
A return of four or five log points against the Lions would see the Sharks leapfrog eighth-placed Ospreys into the playoff positions. It would also secure retention of the SA Shield — which the Sharks won last season — and strengthen their position heading into the remaining fixtures.
While the Lions present a formidable challenge at home in Johannesburg, the Sharks are confident of delivering a performance aligned with their ambitions.
Hollywoodbets Sharks Starting XV
Hollywoodbets Sharks
1. Phatu Ganyane
2. Fez Mbatha
3. Hanro Jacobs
4. Corne Rahl
5. Jason Jenkins
6. Tino Mavesere
7. Vincent Tshituka (C)
8. Thomas Dyer
9. Jaden Hendrikse
10. Siya Masuku
11. Jaco Williams
12. Jurenzo Julius
13. Francois Venter
14. Edwill van der Merwe
15. Aphelele Fassi
Replacements
16. Eduan Swart
17. Cameron Dawson
18. Vincent Koch
19. Emile van Heerden
20. Phepsi Buthelezi
21. Ross Braude
22. Jordan Hendrikse
23. Yaw Penxe
