Sharks Boosted By Boks Players Ahead Of Saracens

Interim coach JP Pietersen has named a strong Sharks side boosted by the return of several Springbok stars, including Siya Kolisi, for their Investec Champions Cup clash against Saracens at Kings Park Stadium on Saturday.

The Sharks, who lost their opening game last weekend to French giants Stade Toulousain, have selected a lineup that acknowledges the quality of the opposition coming to Durban while also showcasing the strength of the squad assembled in Black and White.

Andre Esterhuizen leads a side both star-studded and a mix of talented youth. 

Aphelele Fassi has been handed a start in his customary fullback position, the weekend special returning after sustaining an ankle injury for the Springboks against the All Blacks in September and his is a welcome return to action. 

Hooker Bongi Mbonambi, flank Siya Kolisi, scrumhalf Grant Williams, Esterhuizen at centre, outside centre Ethan Hooker and Edwill van der Merwe (wing) all feature in the starting XV after their exploits in a Springbok jersey during the recent internationals. 

Esterhuizen, who celebrates his 100th appearance for the Hollywoodbets Sharks on this auspicious occasion, speaks of the milestone he is achieving, “It’s taken me a while to get here, but it’s a massive honour to play my 100th game for a franchise like the Hollywoodbets Sharks. I was always going to come back here after my stint overseas and I’m really excited for this week and honoured to play 100 games in the jersey.” 

Saracens have had a similar season to the Hollywoodbets Sharks, having missed their internationals during the Autumn Nations Series and the British & Irish Lions tour to Australia between June and August, but they have brought back the likes of Ben Earl, Elliot Daly, Owen Farrell and Jamie George for the mini tour to South Africa, and like the Durban side who were recent Challenge Cup title-holders, the three-time Champions Cup winners from England will feel they have a point to prove. 

Saturday’s match between the two rugby powerhouses kicks off at 5.15pm. 

Hollywoodbets Sharks 
1.    Phatu Ganyane 
2.    Bongi Mbonambi 
3.    Hanro Jacobs 
4.    Jason Jenkins 
5.    Emile van Heerden 
6.    Siya Kolisi 
7.    Vincent Tshituka 
8.    Phepsi Buthelezi 
9.    Grant Williams 
10.    George Whitehead 
11.    Makazole Mapimpi 
12.    Andre Esterhuizen (C) * 
13.    Ethan Hooker 
14.    Edwill van der Merwe 
15.    Aphelele Fassi 

Replacements 
16.    Eduan Swart 
17.    Lee-Marvin Mazibuko 
18.    Mawande Mdanda 
19.    Marvin Orie 
20.    Matt Romao 
21.    Nick Hatton 
22.    Jaden Hendrikse 
23.    Jordan Hendrikse