Sharks lose Bok champ for Loftus clash
A key member in the pack and leader has been ruled out for the Sharks as the Durbanites chase a first Vodacom URC final against the Bulls in Pretoria tomorrow.
The Sharks head to Loftus Versfeld riding high after a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Munster in Durban last week, but head coach John Plumtree has to do without skipper Eben Etzebeth for the semi-final clash with the Herd.
Etzebeth was injured at training this week, so Corne Rahl has replaced the two-time Springbok world champion in the second row, while Siya Kolisi takes over the captaincy.
URC REWIND: Bulls vs Sharks
Lock Emile van Heerden also comes in for Jason Jenkins, who hasn't recovered from a knock. Deon Slabbert takes up a spot on the bench, along with centre Jurenzo Julius for Francois Venter. The rest of the lineup remains unchanged.
Jake White's Bulls dispatched Edinburgh to book a successive home semi, and boast a strong Loftus record against the Sharks in the URC (3-2).
However, recent form favours Plumtree's men, who claimed both league meetings this season, including a 29-19 upset in Pretoria.
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 (c), 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 James Venter, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.
Bench: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Deon Slabbert, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Jurenzo Julius, 23 Yaw Penxe.
The post Sharks lose Bok champ for Loftus clash appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
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