Springboks captain Siya Kolisi is set to make his second debut for the Sharks this Saturday in a match against defending URC champions, Glasgow Warriors.
Head coach John Plumtree has welcomed the return of the influential flanker, who comes back to Durban after a brief stint in France with Racing 92.
The Sharks will be playing their first home game of the season following a disappointing northern tour, where they managed just one win from three matches, including a 38-10 defeat to Benetton.
EDITOR’S PICKS:
- Follow us on Scrummage Africa FB
- The story of Moreen Muritu
- Kanyanya’s transition from rugby pitch to police beat
- Mbeche’s epic ride in push for Eye Care awareness
Springbok-Packed Sharks to Face Glasgow Warriors Key players Aphelele Fassi and Makazole Mapimpi, fresh from their Rugby Championship victory with the Springboks, will start in the back-three alongside winger Eduan Keyter.
Lukhanyo Am also returns to start in an all-Springboks midfield with Andre Esterhuizen, while brothers Jaden and Jordan Hendrikse will pair up as half-backs for the first time in a professional match.
Number eight Phepsi Buthelezi is the only forward to retain his starting spot from the defeat against Benetton. He will be joined in the back-row by Manu Tshituka and Kolisi.
The bench includes two-time World Cup winner Trevor Nyakane, prop Ruan Dreyer, and hooker Fez Mbatha providing front-row cover.
Jason Jenkins and James Venter are the other forward replacements, while Grant Williams, fly-half Siya Masuku, and center Jurenzo Julius make up the backline substitutions.
In total, nine Rugby World Cup winners will start for the Sharks, with two more on the bench. Out of the 23-man squad, only seven are yet to play international rugby.
