Phepsi Buthelezi Sharks URC photo darren stewart gallo

Phepsi Buthelezi to lead the Sharks in the URC. Photo: Darren Stewart/Gallo Images.

Phepsi leads Sharks as Siya’s benched, Eben rested

Phepsi Buthelezi will lead the Sharks in their United Rugby Championship clash against the Lions at Kings Park on Durban on Friday.

Phepsi Buthelezi Sharks URC photo darren stewart gallo

Phepsi Buthelezi to lead the Sharks in the URC. Photo: Darren Stewart/Gallo Images.

Phepsi Buthelezi will lead the Sharks in their URC clash against the Lions at Kings Park on Durban on Friday.

After two weeks of successful European Champions Cup rugby and a run of three straight victories across two competitions, the Sharks have URC derby rugby to contend with as they look to build on their recent successes.

ALSO READ: Sharks vs Lions — URC stats, facts and key history

It’s been a demanding month and the time has come for balancing the management of player welfare with the need to continue their good form. To this end, Director of Rugby Neil Powell has made several changes to the side that defeated Bordeaux Begles last week as he looks to both keep the players fresh as well as broadening the squad’s match fitness.

Thomas du Toit shifts over to the loosehead side of the front row with Dan Jooste replacing Bongi Mbonambi at hooker and Carlu Sadie named at tighthead.

Vincent Tshituka has shifted from flank to the lock position he occupied against Ospreys, replacing Eben Etzebeth in the second row.

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Siya Kolisi and Sikhumbuzo Notshe swap jerseys with Jeandre Labuschagne back in the side and completing the loose forward trio is captain and eighthman Phepsi Buthelezi.

Amongst the backline changes, Grant Williams is given a starting opportunity at scrumhalf with Jaden Hendrikse playing off the bench, while there is a new midfield pairing of Rohan Janse van Rensburg and Lukhanyo Am, in for Ben Tapuai and Francois Venter respectively.

ALSO READ: URC to return with two mouth-watering SA derby matches

SHARKS URC TEAM:

Sharks — 15 Boeta Chamberlain, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Rohan Janse van Rensburg, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi (captain), 7 Jeandre Labuschagne, 6 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Vincent Tshituka, 3 Carlu SAdie, 2 Dan Jooste, 1 Thomas du Toit.
Subs: 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Gerbrandt Grobler, 20 Siya Kolisi, 21 Jaden Hendrikse, 22 Lionel Cronje, 23 Ben Tapuai.

Sharks URC captain Pepsi Buthelezi. Photo: Gordon Arons/Gallo Images.
Sharks URC captain Pepsi Buthelezi. Photo: Gordon Arons/Gallo Images.