Sharks without 28 frontline stars including 9 current Springboks as depth will be tested on three-week URC tour
Sharks centre Lukhanyo Am and an inset of head coach John Plumtree (Photos by Steve Haag Sports)
The Sharks are dealing with a severe injury crisis ahead of the new season, with 19 players sidelined and nine away with Rassie Erasmus’ Springboks.
John Plumtree’s charges begin the new campaign away from home with a three-match tour, which sees them face Glasgow Warriors, the Dragons and title-holders Leinster on consecutive weekends.
However, they will do so without 28 frontline players because of a growing injury list and unavailability due to international commitments.
Disjointed pre-season
This was confirmed on Monday when Plumtree named the touring squad, which still boasts eight Springboks, three of whom are Rugby World Cup winners.
“The pre-season was a bit disjointed with injuries and players unavailable, as well as players involved in the Carling Currie Cup campaign,” explained the coach on the eve of departure.
“However, over the last few weeks, it’s been good to get everyone back in and start building towards this tour. So, there are some challenges.”
Newly capped Bok flanker Vincent Tshituka will captain the Sharks on the tour and is joined by fellow internationals Marvin Orie, Phepsi Buthelezi, Ruan Dreyer, Edwill van der Merwe, Francois Venter, Jaden Hendrikse and Lukhanyo Am.
Van der Merwe is set to make his competitive debut for the Sharks after making the move to Durban from the Lions. The speedster was in fine form for the Springboks before injury struck, resulting in his omission from the squad for the final two rounds of the Rugby Championship.
Meanwhile, Orie is one of the new signings included in the touring squad, with the 2023 World Cup winner joining the Durbanites after a brief stint at the Bulls during the Currie Cup. The lock has returned to South Africa following a spell at French club Perpignan, who he joined after the tournament in France.
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Simphiwe Matanzima, Eduan Swart, Willem van den Hever and Ross Braude are among the other new signings included in the 29-man squad, along with Blitzboks star Christie Grobbelaar. Included in the squad is Jean Smith, who could line up as the starting fly-half against the team his father, Franco Smith, coaches in round one.
The nine current Springbok players who are unavailable for selection as they could be turning out against Argentina are: Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche, Andre Esterhuizen, Ethan Hooker, Makazole Mapimpi and Grant Williams.
Aphelele Fassi, who sustained a long-term injury against the All Blacks in Wellington, is included on the injured list along with the likes of fellow Boks Jason Jenkins, Jordan Hendrikse and Trevor Nyakane.
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Stonehouse added as a fresh pair of eyes
Looking ahead to the Sharks’ opening three games of the season, Plumtree said: “Glasgow are obviously a tough side, a champion team two years ago and always tough to beat at home, so it’s going to be a massive challenge for the boys.
“The Dragons in week two in Wales will also be demanding, in the early part of the season these teams are all tough to beat when they’re all fresh. “Then finishing with Leinster, that’s going to be another big game, it’s Leinster after all.
“But we’re ready to go and looking forward to getting away and spending some time together. Vincent Tshituka is our captain, Lukhanyo Am is also there, Swys Venter and Jaden Hendrikse too, some good senior players, good leaders.”
Finally, the Sharks have recruited the assistance of Pumas head coach Jimmy Stonehouse, who will serve in an advisory role for the Durban-based side this season.
The 61-year-old will not be relinquishing his role in Nelspruit, but will tour with the Sharks early next year and has been drafted in as Plumtree wanted a fresh pair of eyes.
While Stonehouse is highly thought of in South African rugby circles, but has rarely got a look-in at the bigger unions until now.
Sharks touring squad
Forwards: Bathobele Hlekani, Cameron Dawson, Cebo Dlamini, Dian Bleuler, Eduan Swart, Emmanuel Tshituka, Fez Mbatha, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Marvin Orie, Mawande Mdanda, Nick Hatton, Phepsi Buthelezi, Ruan Dreyer, Simphiwe Matanzima, Tino Mavesere, Vincent Tshituka (c), Willem van den Hever
Backs: Ceano Everson, Christie Grobbelaar, Edwill van der Merwe, Francois Venter, Hakeem Kunene, Jaden Hendrikse, Jurenzo Julius, Lukhanyo Am, Phikolomzi Sobahle, Jean Smith, Ross Braude, Yaw Penxe
Players not considered for selection due to injury: Albie Bester, Aphelele Fassi, Bradley Davids, Bryce Calvert, Coetzee le Roux, Corne Rahl, Diego Appollis, Emile van Heerden, Ethan Bester, Gideon Koegelenberg, Hanro Jacobs, Jaco Williams, Jason Jenkins, Jannes Potgieter, Jordan Hendrikse, Litelihle Bester, Phatu Ganyane, Siya Masuku, Trevor Nyakane
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