31-07-2025
Currie Cup Round 2: Sharks XV get Junior Bok boost for trip to Loftus
8m ago
Sharks XV get Junior Bok boost for trip to Loftus
The Sharks XV have named their line-up for Saturday's clash against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld.
The defending champions, who lost 46-5 to the Lions at Ellis Park last weekend, have a mixture of experience and youth in their side.
Head coach JP Pietersen delayed the introduction of some young stars last week, but the time is ripe for the youngsters to make the step up to Currie Cup rugby.
Jaco Williams, Simphiwe Ngobese, Matt Romao and Simphiwe 'Vusi' Moyo have all been included in the matchday 23, following their U20 World Championship success with the Junior Springboks.
Williams, with his eye for the tryline and pace to match, has been named on the wing, replacing Khuthi Rasivhaga who moves to the bench, while Ngobese covers prop and flank Romao will provide backrow cover on the bench.
Moyo, also on the bench, starred for the Junior Boks with his place-kicking, astute distribution and physicality, converting two tries and kicking three penalties for an individual points' haul of 13, following his team's 23-15 victory over the Junior All Blacks in the final. With a total of 63 points across the tournament, he emerged as the global showpiece's top scorer.
Adding top-level experience amongst the forwards, lock Corne Rahl and flank Tino Mavesere come into the starting line-up, replacing Gideon Koegelenberg and Mawande Mdanda respectively.
Tighthead prop Lee-Marvin Mazibuko is a welcome addition to the side. The 28-year old former Western Province and Stormers front row forward, who has returned to South Africa after a season with Racing 92 in France, starts in Mawande Mdanda's place.
