Sharks load team with Junior Springboks to try and kickstart Currie Cup campaign against Bulls

Goal-kicking ace Vusi Moyo is among six Junior Springboks included in the Sharks XV squad for their Currie Cup visit to the Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday.

Moyo, Jaco Williams, Albie Bester, Ceano Everson, Simphiwe Ngobese, and Matt Romao have injected U20 world championship success into the Sharks side that endured a baptism of fire last week at Ellis Park, where they copped 40 points from the Lions.

Coach JP Pietersen says the U20 stars, fresh from their triumph in Italy, have picked up the team’s intensity in training this week.

“The time is ripe for the youngsters to make the step up into Currie Cup rugby,” said Pietersen. “Their recent achievements on the world stage will add firepower.”

Williams, with his eye for the tryline and pace to match, has been named on the wing, replacing Khuthi Rasivhagam, who moves to the bench, while Ngobese covers prop and flank. Romao will provide back row cover on the bench.

Moyo, also on the bench, starred for the Junior Boks with his place-kicking, astute distribution, and physicality. He amassed 63 points across the tournament and was the showpiece’s top scorer.

Adding top-level experience amongst the forwards are lock Corne Rahl and flanker Tino Mavesere. They replace Gideon Koegelenberg and Mawande Mdanda, respectively.

From an experienced point of view, tighthead prop Lee-Marvin Mazibuko is a welcome addition to the side. The 28-year-old former Stormer has returned to South Africa after a season with Racing 92 in France. He starts in Mawande Mdanda’s place.

Pietersen said that his team’s loss to the Lions should be seen in perspective.

“We have a different squad than last year in that we don’t have older guys. For example, last week, the player cap total was just over 100 in the whole group of 23.

“It is a tough path to follow, but do we have fight in the group? Yes, we have, and we also have talented players. We need time. All we can do is take it day by day.

“I can say that we have had better training sessions this week. The Baby Boks have slotted in nicely and lifted the intensity. They know what to do. It is exciting to have them.”

Former Springbok Pietersen said his job as Currie Cup coach is to develop talent for the United Rugby Championship.

“Our main objective is to blood youngsters. We want to develop players who can be good enough to step up to the URC.

“If we can win the Currie Cup, that would be great, but our main objective is to bring through talent.

“If you look at the Bulls and the Lions, they have a lot of players who played in the URC, players who understand the game. Last week we had eight debutants, and this week the same number.

“Our focus is on us and how we can stay in our system and attack for as long as possible.”

Sharks XV — 15 Hakeem Kunene, 14 Phiko Sobahle, 13 Litelihle Bester, 12 Janco Purchase, 11 Jaco Williams, 10 Jean Smith, 9 Bradley Davids (VC), 8 Nick Hatton (c), 7 Jannes Potgieter, 6 Tino Mavesere, 5 Deon Slabbert, 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 2 Bryce Calvert, 1 Phatu Ganyane.

Replacements: 16 Jacques Marais, 17 Simphiwe Ngobese, 18 Dian Heunis, 19 Gideon Koegelenberg, 20 Matt Ramao, 21 Ceano Everson, 22 Vusi Moyo, 23 Albie Bester.