Sharks lose Bok champ for Loftus clash

A key member in the Sharks pack has been ruled out of the URC semi-final showdown against the Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday.

The Sharks head to Loftus Versfeld for their first URC semi-final riding high after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Munster in Durban last week, but head coach John Plumtree was not able to include skipper Eben Etzebeth in the squad to battle the Herd.

South Africa’s most-capped player in Springbok history, Etzebeth was injured in training this week and the two-time world champion has been replaced by Corne Rahl with Siya Kolisi taking over the captaincy.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.

Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images