Sharks call on Lucky Am to bolster Bok stocks for Munster showdown
All eyes will be on Kings Park this Saturday as the Sharks take on Munster in what promises to be a thrilling Vodacom United Rugby Championship quarter-final showdown.
Head coach John Plumtree has rung the changes ahead of the high-stakes clash, making five key adjustments to the side that secured victory over Scarlets in the final round of pool play.
In the forward pack, Jason Jenkins returns to the starting Sharks' XV, swapping places with Emile van Heerden in the second row. James Venter also reclaims his place in the starting lineup, recovering from a neck injury sustained against the Ospreys to replace Tino Mavesere at flank.
The biggest name returning for the Sharks, however, is two-time Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok captain Siya Kolisi. After sitting out the Scarlets game due to national team rest protocols, Kolisi is back at No. 8, taking over from Phepsi Buthelezi, who shifts to the bench.
The backline sees two major inclusions, with flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse stepping in for the injured Siya Masuku and Lukhanyo Am returning at outside centre. Am, another double World Cup winner, will make his 100th international appearance for the Sharks, replacing Jurenzo Julius, who is a surprise omission from the match-day squad.
Sharks captain Eben Etzebeth believes the tight encounters leading up to the playoffs have been ideal preparation for the pressure-cooker environment of knockout rugby.
'We've won a few close games this year, which is something we weren't doing last season,' Etzebeth said. 'Those experiences give us confidence. Hopefully we won't need to make it that close again on Saturday, but if we do, we're ready.'
Etzebeth is also under no illusions about the challenge posed by Munster.
'They're a top-quality side. Discipline and kicking will probably be the difference on the day—it's going to be very close.'
Despite injuries and Springbok rest policies, several rising stars have stepped up. Plumtree has praised the squad depth, highlighting standout performances from players like Ethan Hooker and a consistently strong front row off the bench.
'A lot of our young guys have grown this season. The more they play, the more confident they get—and they've shown they can perform at this level,' he said.
Kick-off for the quarter-final clash is scheduled for 6:30 PM on Saturday at Hollywoodbets Kings Park.
SHARKS – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Siya Kolisi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 James Venter, 5 Jason Jenkins, 4 Eben Etzebeth (c), 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.
Bench: 16. Fez Mbatha, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Emile van Heerden, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Francois Venter, 23 Yaw Penxe.
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