Sharks launch Springbok midfield missile at Bulls in Currie Cup playoff
Springbok centre Andre Esterhuizen has regained full fitness in time to gain selection in the Sharks’ starting lineup for Saturday’s playoff against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld.
Head coach John Plumtree made six changes and one positional swap this week, with the fit-again Esterhuizen replacing Ethan Hooker at inside centre. Esterhuizen line up next to Francois Venter in an all-new, all-Bok midfield partnership.
The 21-year-old Hooker shifts from midfield to left wing in place of Makazole Mapimpi, who was recalled to the Springbok squad for the away leg of their Rugby Championship fixtures against Argentina.
Additionally in the backline, Eduan Keyter comes in for Litelihle Bester at right wing.
Up front, Fez Mbatha takes over from Dylan Richardson at hooker for the Sharks, Corne Rahl beats Gerbrandt Grobler to the No 7 jersey and James Venter comes in for Emmanuel Tshituka at openside flank.
Despite their upset win over the Bulls last weekend, Sharks captain Vincent Tshituka said that the Pretoria-based will be the favourites in their do-or-die rematch at Loftus.
“We know what the Bulls are like at Loftus and there is a lot of prep required, plus a lot of mental prep for the players to keep a calm mind but to also bring the attitude over the weekend,” he said.
Sharks – 15 Jordan Hendrikse, 14 Eduan Keyter, 13 Francois Venter, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Bradley Davids, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka (c), 6 James Venter, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Subs: 16 Ethan Bester, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Trevor Nyakane, 19 Gerbrandt Grobler, 20 Emmanuel Tshituka, 21 Tian Meyer, 22 Lionel Cronje, 23 Litelihle Bester.
WHO WILL WIN THE SEMI-FINAL BETWEEN THE BULLS AND SHARKS?
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Sharks vs Bulls Currie Cup semi-final graphic. Image: Via X.