Sharks name team to kickoff URC campaign

The Sharks’ United Rugby Championship campaign kicks off this weekend with a trip to Galway in Ireland to take on Connacht at Dexcom Stadium on Saturday evening.

Following recent snow in the KZN Midlands, the Sharks won’t feel too out of their comfort zone with temperatures ranging between 8º and 14º in Galway.

With the clash of URC week one fixtures and the Carling Currie Cup Final, won by the Sharks last Saturday, the South African teams only commence their URC commitments now in week two.

Head coach John Plumtree used the last few weeks of the Currie Cup tournament for the dual purpose of competing – successfully too – and getting his URC players back to match fitness after their break following a long, tough and also successful 2023/24 season that culminated in EPCR Challenge Cup glory.

As such, this week’s team to take on Connacht isn’t too dissimilar from the one that defeated the Fidelity ADT Lions in last week’s Currie Cup Final. There are four changes in the pack of forwards, but the backline remains intact from last week.

Vincent Tshituka continues his role as captain on tour with hooker Dylan Richardson replacing Fez Mbatha and Ruan Dreyer coming in for Hanro Jacobs at tighthead prop.

Jason Jenkins earns his debut for the Sharks as he pairs up with Gerbrandt Grobler in the second row, the duo replacing Corne’ Rahl and the injured Emile van Heerden respectively.

Sharks
1.    Ntuthuko Mchunu
2.    Dylan Richardson
3.    Ruan Dreyer*
4.    Jason Jenkins*
5.    Gerbrandt Grobler
6.    James Venter
7.    Vincent Tshituka (c)
8.    Emmanuel Tshituka*
9.    Bradley Davids
10.    Siya Masuku
11.    Ethan Hooker
12.    Andre Esterhuizen*
13.    Jurenzo Julius*
14.    Eduan Keyter
15.    Jordan Hendrikse*

Replacements
16.    Fez Mbatha
17.    Trevor Nyakane*
18.    Hanro Jacobs
19.    Corne Rahl
20.    Reniel Hugo
21.    Tinotenda Mavesere
22.    Tian Meyer*
23.    Gurswin Wehr* / Lionel Cronje

*Denotes United Rugby Championship debut for the Sharks

The following players are not available for selection due to injury:

- Braam Reynecke
- Diego Apollis
- Emile van Heerden
- IG Prinsloo
- Khwezi Mona
- Marnus Potgieter
- Phepsi Buthelezi
- Siya Ningiza
- Thomas Dyer
- Yaw Penxe