Eben Etzebeth still notably absent from Sharks lineup

Eben Etzebeth will play no part in the Sharks’ anticipated derby against the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday.

The Sharks, Bulls and Stormers will not only have log points in mind, but they will have their sights set firmly on securing pole position in the race for the SA Shield as the Vodacom United Rugby Championship reaches round 12 this weekend.

Two mouth-watering South African derbies in Gauteng are on the schedule for Saturday, on the second-last weekend where the local teams will line up against one another.

The Sharks go into this weekend’s first of two consecutive URC clashes with the Lions in high spirits as they look to continue their fine away form of recent past.

And for the clash, the Sharks have welcomed back three Springboks in the form of Jaden Hendrikse, Siya Kolisi and Vincent Koch.

Hendrikse returns to take over the No 9 jersey from fellow Springbok Grant Williams, with the latter playing off the bench.

In the other two changes to the Sharks’ starting XV, the injured Trevor Nyakane is replaced by Ruan
Dreyer while Deon Slabbert comes in for Corne Rahl at lock, with Vincent Tshituka continuing
his role as captain.

Making their return to action via the bench are Koch, Kolisi and Eduan Keyter who all bring plenty
of experience, adding to the team’s depth and likely to make a significant impact off the bench
later in the game.

In other news, Etzebeth’s return to action is still pending as he fights his way back from a serious head injury.

Sharks – 15 Jordan Hendrikse, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Lukhanyo Am, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka (c), 6 Tinotenda Mavesere, 5 Jason Jenkins, 4 Deon Slabbert, 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Bench: 16 Ethan Bester, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Lappies Labuschagne, 20 Siya Kolisi, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Francois Venter, 23 Eduan Keyter.

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