The Sharks team to take on the British and Irish Lions
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On Wednesday evening, the Sharks will be taking on a powerful Lions’ side that despatched their local namesakes the Sigma Lions 56-14 in an eight try to two display on Saturday.
“We have only played two games in the Carling Currie Cup, but our group has been together for some time and they’re looking forward to the challenge,” admitted head coach Sean Everitt of this clash against an international northern hemisphere combination.
“The chief goal is that we go into this game well-prepared and for the players to understand what’s coming their way. Not many of our players in the [Currie Cup] squad have international experience and that includes Super Rugby, so yes, this is a big challenge.
“We have to get the fundementals right otherwise we will be punished on the day.”
Everitt has named a relatively unchanged line-up, welcoming back his captain Phepsi Buthelezi, who returns to the side after missing last week’s game with a mild concussion.
Former SA u20 captain Phepsi Buthelezi captains the side from the #8 jumper with Springbok capped flyhalf Curwin Bosch starting in the #10 jumper.
After his brother Jordan Hendrikse played against the Lions on Saturday, Jaden faces them for the Sharks starting as Bosch's halfback partner.
Former South African sevens star Werner Kok starts on the right wing with rookie Thaakir Abrahams on the left. Manie Libbok completes the back three at fullback with Marius Louw and Jeremey Ward the centres.
In the back Thembelani Bholi and James Venter feature alongside captain Buthelezi while Ruben van Heerden and Hyron Andrews back down in the second row.
The Sharks have fielded a young front row in Khwezi Mona, Fez Mbatha, and Khutha Mchunu while opting for a 6-2 split on the bench with Grant Williams and Anthony Volmink covering the backs.
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Sharks
1. Khwezi Mona
2. Fez Mbatha
3. Khutha Mchunu
4. Ruben van Heerden
5. Hyron Andrews
6. James Venter
7. Thembelani Bholi
8. Phepsi Buthelezi (c)
9. Jaden Hendrikse
10. Curwin Bosch
11. Thaakir Abrahams
12. Marius Louw
13. Jeremy Ward
14. Werner Kok
15. Manie Libbok
Replacements
16. Kerron van Vuuren
17. Ntuthuko Mchunu
18. Wiehahn Herbst
19. JJ van der Mescht
20. Reniel Hugo
21. Dylan Richardson
22. Grant Williams
23. Anthony Volmink
