Returning Springboks freshen up Sharks team for URC clash with Leinster

The Sharks have received a timely rejuvenation ahead of their big United Rugby Championship (URC) match against Leinster on Saturday, with the inclusion of several Springboks, some of whom featured in last week’s Rugby Championship finale in London.

One of these is left wing Ethan Hooker, who swaps the green and gold for the black and white, as does veteran hooker Bongi Mbonambi. The latter played off the bench against Argentina and will do the same against Leinster.

Joining Mbonambi on the bench is another double World Cup winner, Vincent Koch, who is making his comeback from an injury that kept him out of the Rugby Championship.

For the final week of the tour, coach John Plumtree has chosen not to call up frontline Springboks who carried a heavy workload during the Championship. In that bracket are Ox Nché, Siya Kolisi, Grant Williams, and Eben Etzebeth.

Those players are likely to feature in the Sharks’ first home game of the year next week against Ulster, with the probable exception of Etzebeth — his wife is due to give birth to their second child next week.

There is another Springbok back in action for the Sharks — albeit a former one — in powerful lock Jason Jenkins, who forms a formidable second row with another player who has represented South Africa, Marvin Orie.

At fly-half, Plumtree has kept faith with former Junior Springbok Jean Smith, who made his URC debut last week in atrocious conditions in the drawn match with the Dragons. Smith will be backed up by Siya Masuku, who returns from injury.

It is a strong combination despite most of the big-name Springboks being rested. At the same time, the injury list includes players of the calibre of Aphelele Fassi, Jordan Hendrikse, Trevor Nyakane, Yaw Penxe, Corne Rahl, Emile van Heerden, and Ethan Bester.

Sharks team for Leinster

15 Edwill van der Merwe, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Lukhanyo Am, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jean Smith, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Vincent Tshituka (captain), 7 Manu Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Simphiwe Matanzima.

Replacements: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Bathobele Hlekani, 20 Nick Hatton, 21 Ross Braude, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Francois Venter.