Latest news with #CorneRahl
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
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. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
The South African
4 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Big concern as Eben Etzebeth concussed again
Eben Etzebeth has endured an injury-plagued season at the Sharks, having missed a large part of the team's northern hemisphere campaign due to concussion and related symptoms that persisted for an extended period afterwards. The Springbok star then sustained an injury niggle during a national alignment camp before recently making a return to action. However, it's now been confirmed that he will miss this Saturday's URC semi-final after picking up an injury at training this week, reportedly suffering a concussion in a collision with fellow lock Corne Rahl. With the Springbok season just a few weeks away, Etzebeth will need to be monitored closely, but it's quite likely that he will also miss the URC final if the Sharks progress to the title decider. Sharks team to face the Bulls: 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. Replacements: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Deon Slabbert, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Jurenzo Julius, 23 Yaw Penxe. Date: Saturday, June 7 Venue: Loftus Versveld, Pretoria Kick-off: 18:15 Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland) Assistant referees: Sam Grove-White (Scotland), Adam Jones (Wales) TMO: Mike Adamson (Scotland) 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 Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
4 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.
