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The South African
3 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Sharks hit by major blow ahead of Loftus semi-final showdown
The Sharks will be without a key figure in their forward pack for Saturday's highly anticipated United Rugby Championship semi-final against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria. After an intense penalty shootout victory over Munster in Durban, the Sharks are riding a wave of momentum heading into their first-ever URC semi-final. However, head coach John Plumtree has been forced to make changes, most notably the omission of captain Eben Etzebeth, who sustained an injury during training this week. Etzebeth, South Africa's most-capped Springbok and a two-time World Cup winner, has been replaced in the starting lineup by Corne Rahl, with Siya Kolisi stepping in as captain. Another change in the second row sees Emile van Heerden slot in for Jason Jenkins, who failed to recover from a recent knock. Deon Slabbert joins the matchday squad on the bench, while Jurenzo Julius replaces Francois Venter among the reserves. The rest of the starting XV remains unchanged. The Bulls, led by Jake White, secured a home semi-final after a convincing win over Edinburgh and will be confident at Loftus Versfeld, where they hold a 3-2 URC record against the Sharks. However, recent form leans in favour of the visitors. Plumtree's men defeated the Bulls in both league encounters this season, including a notable 29-19 victory in Pretoria. Sharks XV: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Siya Kolisi (captain), 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 James Venter, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche. Subs: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Deon Slabbert, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Jurenzo Julius, 23 Yaw Penxe. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Blueskyfor the latest news.
The South African
4 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
REVEALED: How nine uncapped newbies fit into Springbok picture?
A 54-man squad local and overseas-based players have been named for the Springboks' upcoming mid-year Tests starting later month. The group includes nine uncapped players, namely Ethan Hooker, Juarno Augustus, Vincent Tshituka, Ntokozo Makhaza, Renzo du Plessis, Neethling Fouche, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Marnus van der Merwe, and Cobus Wiese. Ethan Hooker: A centre who is currently playing on the wing because his team needs him to, Hooker's strengths are his dominant ball-carrying, defence and breakdown ability. He brings a different type of versatility to the Springbok backline than the established utility backs in the squad. Neethling Fouche: The powerful Stormers tighthead prop provides much-needed cover for Frans Malherbe, who has been left out of the squad as he recovers from injury. Fouche looks set to earn his first Test cap and brings strength to the front row. Asenathi Ntlabakanye: Weighing in at 145kg, Ntlabakanye's sheer size makes him a standout figure. The Springbok coaching staff may see an opportunity to develop him into a dominant force in the scrum. Marnus van der Merwe: Hooker is another area where depth is needed, and Van der Merwe made a strong case for inclusion following impressive performances with the Scarlets in Wales and this form has now been rewarded with an official squad call-up. Vincent Tshituka: Born in the Congo, Tshituka recently obtained his South African ID, making him eligible for national selection. His inclusion bolsters the Springboks' depth at blindside flank, a position in need of reinforcement. Ntokozo Makhaza: A standout in the Varsity Cup, Makhaza's selection may have come as a surprise, but it's well earned. His pace and flair make him a thrilling addition to the wing options. Cobus Wiese: At 27, Wiese offers versatility with the ability to play both lock and loose forward. With his physicality and adaptability, he's well-positioned to feature in the mid-year Tests where squad rotation and experimentation are expected. Juarno Augustus: A key performer for the Northampton Saints this season, Augustus now brings valuable experience to the table. With injuries affecting the No. 8 position, he could be a strong and timely option for the Springboks during these rebuilding phase. Renzo du Plessis: Du Plessis is one of the brightest young prospects in South African rugby. A dynamic loose forward in the same mould as Kwagga Smith, he is likely to attract serious interest from the Springbok selectors. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Blueskyfor the latest news.
The South African
23-04-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Red-hot Roos says his Bok career is 'in someone else's hands'
Evan Roos is well aware that his recent return to form puts him in the conversation for Springbok selection, but loose forward refuses to think that far ahead. With untimely season-ending injuries to Jasper Wiese and Elrigh Louw, the Springboks are in the market for a specialist No 8 ahead of their arduous 16-game international season. And there's no shortage of contenders: Roos (Stormers), Francke Horn (Lions), Cameron Hanekom (Bulls), Siya Kolisi and Phepsi Buthelezi (Sharks) and Kwagga Smith (TBC) to name a few. So far in his fledgling Springbok career, Roos has earned seven Test caps between 2022 and 2024 and judging by his recent form for the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship, the dynamic loose forward is well-set to add to his tally. But Roos, who only made his return to action in January after an extended period on the sidelines due to injury, refuses to be lured into any conversations about hypotheticals. Instead, his sole focus is helping the Stormers earn playoff berth now that he is in a position to do so. 'I was gone long enough that I think people forgot about me, so they're not marking me like they used to!' Roos told reporters on Tuesday. 'But it's been a smooth run back with no complications. I think the six months off [last year] did me good. I really came back motivated, rejuvenated and energised to play again,' the Springbok added. 'One of the reasons why I'm doing better than usual is because I'm really enjoying being in the moment, staying in the present, and trying to do my best for the Stormers. I'm not too worried about things in the future. I just control what I can control. The rest is not in my hands, it's in someone else's hands. 'Bottom line, I'm just really enjoying playing rugby again. I was gone for half a year and it does put things into perspective. I'm really blessed to be back.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Blueskyfor the latest news.
