Siya Kolisi will lead a Springbok-laden Sharks side against the Stormers in their United Rugby Championship match at Kings Park in Durban on Saturday.
Most of the Sharks’ Springboks have been included in the side, just a week after their final November Tour match against Wales.
Only injured lock and regular captain Eben Etzebeth, who left the field against Wales with what looked like a face injury, and hooker Bongi Mbomambi (bereavement in the family) will featuring for the Sharks.
Props Ox Nche and Vincent Koch, Scottish international Dylan Richardson, Kolisi, brothers Jaden and Jordan Hendrikse, wing Makazole Mapimpi, outside backs Lukhanyo Am, Aphelele Fassi and scrumhalf Grant Williams are all part of the matchday squad.
Kolisi has been picked at No 8 for the match, a position he has played earlier in the season for the Durban side.
The Sharks are also losing very little in Etzebeth’s absence after lock Jason Jenkins, who is also a capped Springbok, was included at No 4 for the match.
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“This weekend is huge for us, we’ve spoken as a squad about making Kings Park a special place where it’s tough for teams to play and come and win,” Jenkings said.
“The whole squad has bought into that, we’re all on the same page and it’s important that we keep the momentum that we have.
Casting his eye at the opposition, he acknowledges just what a battle they have ahead of them.
The Stormers have struggled for consistency this season, with two wins and three defeats from their first five matches thus far.
The Sharks, on the other hand, have won their last two matches following a shock loss away to Benetton on Italy.
“Look, any local derby is tough, it’s always a bit personal and while we don’t have a good track record against them in the URC, we’ll be looking to change that.
“It’s going to be a big weekend for us, we know it’s going to be tough, we know what they bring, but we’re really looking forward to the game.”
Sharks team for Kings Park
15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Siya Kolisi (capt), 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 James Venter, 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Dylan Richardson, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Ethan Bester, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Trevor Nyakane, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Emmanuel Tshituka, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Jordan Hendrikse
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