Lions ‘Test series’ excites Sharks

Sharks coach John Plumtree says he’s looking forward to the challenge of playing back-to-back matches against the Lions.

There is much at stake in the Vodacom URC for both teams as they prepare to clash at Ellis Park on Saturday and again at Kings Park seven days later. The Sharks are fourth on the log and still in contention for a top-two finish, while the Lions are 12th and desperate to qualify for the playoffs for the first time.

Plumtree’s Sharks know what it takes to win at Ellis Park, having snatched a 16-14 victory in the 2024 Currie Cup final, but they lost both of their URC matches against the Lions last season – 20-18 in Durban and 40-10 in Johannesburg.

“The Lions are a very dangerous side and they’ve shown that throughout the season,” Plumtree said on Thursday. “Underestimate them at your peril.

“Some teams may have fallen into that trap in the past but we certainly haven’t. They did a double on us last season – we were up against them here [in Durban] pretty comfortably before giving away the second half, and then they gave us a hiding up there. We got one over them in the Currie Cup, but this is a totally different competition.

MORE: Sharks ready for fast-paced Lions

“The Lions are capable of knocking off pretty much anyone, particularly at Ellis Park. We’ve got a lot of respect for them and know what a tough task this is going to be, particularly up front. Our backs have been pretty dangerous but they’ve got some dangerous backs too. It’s going to be a good contest.”

Plumtree said it would be “quite unique” to play against the same team on consecutive weekends.

“I love it, it provides a different element. We know a lot about each other but we’ll know even more about each other the following week. It’s like a little Test series. We’re looking forward to this two-week challenge.”

TEAM: Jaden at 9 for Sharks, Eben still absent

The Sharks have made three changes to the XV that beat the Bulls at Loftus two weeks ago. Jaden Hendrikse returns from Springbok leave to start at 9 ahead of Grant Williams, with Ruan Dreyer replacing the injured Trevor Nyakane at tighthead prop and Deon Slabbert coming in for Corne Rahl at No 4 lock.

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi is also back from his break and been named on the bench alongside Bok prop Vincent Koch, who has recovered from a shoulder injury. However, Bok lock Eben Etzebeth (concussion symptoms) has still not been passed fit to play despite having returned to training.

“There’s a fair bit of continuity,” Plumtree said of the team. “Starting a freshened-up Jaden and Grant coming off the bench is good for us.

“Having a little bit more experience up front is great. Ox [Nche] and Eben aren’t back yet, but it’s great having Siya and Vincent Koch there.

“Deon Slabbert had a nice little cameo off the bench against Cardiff and then picked up a concussion. It will be nice to have another look at him and see what he can give us in future.”

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images