Ox Nche one of two Springboks stars to return to action for Sharks’ URC derby
Sharks full-back Aphelele Fassi (inset) and loosehead prop Ox Nche.
The Sharks have been bolstered by Springboks duo Ox Nche and Aphelele Fassi’s return to action for their eagerly anticipated derby with the Lions in Durban on Saturday.
Nche makes his long-awaited comeback after sustaining a leg injury while on duty for South Africa during their victory over Japan in an Autumn Nations Series Test in London last month.
The 30-year-old loosehead prop comes into the Sharks‘ run-on side at the expense of Phatu Ganyane, who is relegated to the replacements bench, and is joined in the Sharks front-row by Springboks hooker Bongi Mbonambi and tighthead Hanro Jacobs.
Three changes after Bulls victory
Sharks head coach JP Pietersen has made just three changes to his starting line-up, which beat the Bulls in their previous match, with Manu Tshituka coming in for Phepsi Buthelezi at number eight and Fassi taking over from Hakeem Kunene at full-back as the other alterations.
Fassi makes his return to action after overcoming concussion protocols, which he sustained in the Sharks’ Investec Champions Cup clash against Saracens earlier this month.
The rest of the Sharks’ forwards sees Jason Jenkins and Emile van Heerden combining in the second row while Springboks skipper Siya Kolisi and Vincent Tshituka are the starting flankers.
Meanwhile, Andre Esterhuizen will captain the side from inside centre and Ethan Hooker joins him in midfield while Jordan Hendrikse and Grant Williams are the starting half-backs.
The side is completed by Makazole Mapimpi and Edwill van der Merwe, who are the starting wingers and along with Fassi they will form an all-Springbok back three.
Apart from Nche and Fassi, Corne Rahl and Siya Masuku also make welcome returns to the matchday 23, both named on the replacements bench, alongside calm heads in the form of Springboks Buthelezi and Jaden Hendrikse.
Reflecting on the successes of the recent past and the Sharks’ turnaround, Vincent Tshituka said: “It’s been a really exciting time at the Hollywoodbets Sharks, we’ve had two good wins after a rough start to the season and that’s helped us build the little bit of momentum and confidence we needed.
“[Coach] JP has really challenged us on going from good to great and it’s really lifted our standards in everything we do.
“The players are also taking personal responsibility as well and driving those standards. There has been a lot of buy-in over the past couple of weeks.”
Despite the recent Christmas break, the Sharks have remained in competition mode and Tshituka highlighted the positive frame of mind in their camp.
“There’s quite a buzz around training and lots of excitement playing an SA derby, it’s always a big one against the Lions, a spectacle and we expect nothing less than that. The guys are really looking forward to the challenge,” he explained.
“We’re all excited and believe we can turn this season around.”
Sharks team to face the Lions
Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Ethan Hooker, 12 Andre Esterhuizen (c), 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Manu Tshituka, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche
Replacements: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Phatu Ganyane, 18 Mawande Mdanda, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Nick Hatton, 22 Jaden Hendrikse, 23 Siya Masuku
Date: Saturday, January 3
Venue: Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 15:30 local (13:30 GMT)
Referee: Chris Allison (SARU)
Assistant Referees: Aimee Barrett-Theron (SARU), Hanru van Rooyen (SARU)
TMO: Egon Seconds (SARU)
How to watch: SuperSport / Premier Sports / TG4 / FloRugby / URC.tv
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