URC: Sharks lineup bolstered by return of fit-again trio

Neil Powell has the fit-again Werner Kok, Vincent Tshituka and Dylan Richardson in his Sharks team for Saturday’s URC clash against the Lions at Ellis Park.

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The Sharks team named for this weekend’s return leg URC match has been bolstered by the return of a number of players, including Kok, Tshituka and Richardson.

Director of Rugby Powell has selected a six-two split on the bench, an acknowledgement of just how physical he expects this game to be and the confrontation he anticipates from the Lions, and to this end welcomes the return of Vincent Tshituka and Dylan Richardson from injury, the pair playing off the bench and no doubt will bring impetus and energy to the team when they’re given the opportunity to get stuck in.

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In changes to the side that played the Stormers in the last game, Dan Jooste replaces Kerron van Vuuren at hooker and Hyron Andrews makes way for Reniel Hugo at lock, in the only changes to the Sharks pack.

In the backline, Grant Williams returns to action, with Cameron Wright playing off the bench while Francois Venter takes over from Ben Tapuai, who is the other backline player amongst the Sharks replacements.

The final change sees Werner Kok back from injury, replacing Marnus Potgieter on the wing.

The Sharks will feed off the confidence gained out of their first round derby match at Kings Park in December last year, a 37-10, five-try to one bonus point victory, but will also understand the need — as well as accept the challenge — to deliver a comprehensive performance that ticks all the boxes.

SHARKS TEAM TO TAKE ON LIONS IN URC

Sharks — 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Francois Venter, 12 Rohan Janse van Rensburg, 11 Thaakir Abrahams, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi (captain), 7 Henco Venter, 6 James Venter, 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Reniel Hugo, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 Dan Jooste, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Subs: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Vincent Tshituka, 20 Dylan Richardson, 21 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 22 Cameron Wright, 23 Ben Tapuai.