This weekend will see an all Springbok pack feature in the match-day 23 as Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Bongi Bonambi, as well as Ox Nche, all return to the Sharks.
Meanwhile, Vincent Tshituka maintains his captaincy for the fourth consecutive week.
Also returning is the World Cup-winning scrum-half Grant Williams and inside centre Andre Esterhuizen. Both players have shown fantastic form in this year’s Rugby Championship competition and were instrumental in securing silverware.
In recent weeks Sharks have struggled to regain the form that saw them win the Challenge Cup in the 2023/2024 season. Currently occupying 13th position on the URC log, players and coaching staff have expressed disappointment at their performances.
This week, head coach John Plumtree admitted that the standard of his team was not what it ought to be. Fortunately, the new week now presents them with the opportunity to correct their mistakes when they face Ulster.
“We’re all keen and looking forward to going out on Saturday and performing for our fans,” says wing Ethan Hooker.
He adds, “They can look forward to this week’s game as much as we are. We’ve trained really hard, exciting things are coming, and we hope to see a full stadium coming out in support and watching a really good game of rugby.”
This will be a huge pressure test for the Sharks, and it effectively has become a must-win game.
Sharks Squad to face Ulster
15 Edwill van der Merwe, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole, Mapimpi, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka (C), 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements
16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Simphiwe Matanzima, 18 Ruan Dreyer, 19 Bathobele Hlekani, 20 Emmanuel Tshituka, 21 Jaden Hendrikse, 22 Jordan Hendrikse, 23 Lukhanyo Am.
Kick-off is at 16:00
