Aphiwe Dyantyi has officially joined the Sharks. Photo: Sharks Rugby/Twitter
Sharks look to controversial Springbok in search of derby delight
The inclusion of Springbok Aphiwe Dyantyi is the only change to the Sharks team for Saturday’s derby duel against the Bulls.
Aphiwe Dyantyi has officially joined the Sharks. Photo: Sharks Rugby/Twitter
This week’s United Rugby Championship clash against the Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday is all about momentum for the Sharks.
After the return of the Rugby World Cup winning Springboks last week, the Sharks put in their most decisive performance of the tournament, even though head coach John Plumtree had warned before the match that his returning Springboks might be a little rusty after the break they had enjoyed following their heroics in the Green and Gold.
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There was little evidence that the Springboks were nursing any ill-effects and they were influential in a performance where everyone performed with distinction.
The Bulls will be a different prospect though and as Plumtree suggested, his national players would be all the better this week after a match for the Sharks.
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DYANTYI’S SELECTION BRINGS SHARKS’ TALLY TO A DOZEN SPRINGBOKS
It doesn’t hurt to name an almost unchanged line-up, with only one change this week where Aphiwe Dyantyi comes in for Werner Kok (who has a slight hamstring niggle) on the wing.
The rest of the match 22 remains identical to the team that beat the Dragons at Kings Park last Saturday.
Dyantyi’s inclusion brings the Sharks’ Test-laden team tally to 12 capped Springboks in the match 23.
With the tournament now settled as far as full strength teams go – aside from injuries – week seven offers a huge challenge, but also an exciting time.
These two teams have a long, passionate and highly competitive history and there is no doubt that this game will be played with courage and determination.
Kick-off at Loftus is scheduled for 3pm on Saturday.
MATCH LINEUP TO FACE THE BULLS
Sharks – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Aphiwe Dyantyi, 13 Lukhanyo Am (c), 12 Francois Venter, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Phepsi Buthelezi, 6 James Venter, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Subs: 16 Dan Jooste, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Jeandre Labuschagne, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Boeta Chamberlain, 23 Rohan Janse van Rensburg.
