Promising young fullback Luan Giliomee will get another start at fullback for the Sharks in their URC match against Cardiff on Friday evening in Durban.
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Sharks head coach JP Pietersen is sticking to his winning formula ahead of Friday’s United Rugby Championship (URC) clash against Cardiff, making just two changes to the side that dismantled Munster last week.
Adopting a clear “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it” approach, Pietersen has opted for continuity following the emphatic 45-0 victory over Munster last weekend.
The most notable adjustment for the duel in the Shark Tank (7pm kick-off) comes in midfield, where Springbok Ethan Hooker returns at outside centre to strengthen the midfield alongside captain André Esterhuizen.
Meanwhile, scrumhalf Bradley Davids is handed an opportunity to impress after Grant Williams was ruled out through injury. On the bench, Jaden Hendrikse has been pencilled in for a return, however, Ross Braude will be his backup should the Bok No 9 not recover in time for the game.
Davids will link up with flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse, with the halfback pairing expected to play a key role in dictating the tempo of the game and unlocking Cardiff’s defence with the ball in hand.
Up front, Pietersen has placed his faith in the same pack that dominated Munster, rewarding their effort with another start. Young loosehead prop Pathu Ganyane continues his run in the starting XV, while Springbok veteran Ox Nché is once again set to provide impact from the bench.
The Sharks will be eager to build on their resurgence following back-to-back defeats before last weekend’s statement win. Confidence within the camp looks to have been restored, but they will remain wary of a Cardiff side looking to respond after a heavy loss to the Bulls.
With both teams chasing momentum in the closing stages of the competition, Friday’s encounter promises to be a compelling test of intent and consistency.
Sharks XV
15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Ethan Hooker, 12 André Esterhuizen (captain), 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Bradley Davids, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Phatu Ganyane.
Replacements: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Ox Nché, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Corné Rahl, 20 Nick Hatton, 21 Jaden Hendrikse/Ross Braude, 22 Jean Smith, 23 Hakeen Kunene.