Plumtree makes changes a head of Munster clash

The Sharks enjoy continuity in team selection for their United Rugby Championship clash with Munster Rugby at Kings Park on Saturday.

Head coach John Plumtree has rejigged his loose forward trio, shifting Springbok captain Siya Kolisi to eighthman, with Phepsi Buthelezi playing off the bench this week and James Venter coming into the starting line-up at flank, joined by Vincent Tshituka, with Emmanuel Tshituka dropping out.

Grant Williams comes in for Jaden Hendrikse at scrumhalf, the pair swapping jerseys for the final change to the starting XV.

After defeating the reigning champions, this week it’s the turn of Irish giants Munster who visit Kings Park off the back of a 34-19 loss to the DHL Stormers in Cape Town in their first tour match last week.

For Sharks fullback Aphelele Fassi, it’s all about the twin aim of stopping their opponents while implementing their game plan on the Irish.

“We know that Munster is a quality side with a lot of internationals who want to play a quick controlled game. We’ve done our review and have plans on how we want to stop them as well as implement our game and create opportunities for ourselves as well.”

Saturday’s clash kicks off at 4pm. Fans can expect a host of entertainment both on and off the field.

Sharks
1.    Ox Nche
2.    Bongi Mbonambi
3.    Vincent Koch
4.    Eben Etzebeth (c)
5.    Emile van Heerden
6.    James Venter 
7.    Vincent Tshituka
8.    Siya Kolisi
9.    Grant Williams
10.    Jordan Hendrikse
11.    Makazole Mapimpi
12.    Andre Esterhuizen
13.    Lukhanyo Am
14.    Eduan Keyter
15.    Aphelele Fassi

Replacements
16.    Fez Mbatha
17.    Ntuthuko Mchunu
18.    Ruan Dreyer
19.    Jason Jenkins
20.    Phepsi Buthelezi
21.    Jaden Hendrikse
22.    Siya Masuku
23.    Francois Venter

The following players are not available for selection due to injury:

- Braam Reyneke
- Ethan Hooker

- Khwezi Mona
- Marnus Potgieter
- Yaw Penxe