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'Entirely different to what the referees asked for': All Blacks assistant on South African TV director's influence
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Much-changed Sharks roll out Bok big boys for Saracens
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The Hollywoodbets Sharks will field a markedly different side for Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup clash with Saracens, rolling out a host of returning Springboks after their second-string selection was well beaten by Toulouse in round one.
The Sharks – who saw John Plumtree step back from his role as head coach weekend – saw a B-team selection pummelled 56-19 at Stade Ernest-Wallon, but they’re taking the Saracens fixture more seriously.
Indeed, the Durban outfit welcomes the Gallagher PREM heavyweights to Kings Park knowing the margin for error in Pool play has already narrowed.
Former Harlequins centre Andre Esterhuizen captains a Sharks side that leans heavily on their Bok contingent for the visit of the three-time European champions.
The 6’4, 113kg bruiser is making his 100th appearance for the Sharks, accumulated over two stints.
“It’s taken me a while to get here, but it’s a massive honour to play my 100th game for a franchise like the Hollywoodbets Sharks. I was always going to come back here after my stint overseas and I’m really excited for this week and honoured to play 100 games in the jersey,” he said.
Aphelele Fassi returns at fullback after recovering from the ankle injury sustained on Springbok duty against the All Blacks in September. Fellow Boks Bongi Mbonambi, Siya Kolisi, Grant Williams, Esterhuizen, Ethan Hooker and Edwill van der Merwe all start following their recent Test duty.
Mark McCall’s Saracens arrive in Durban in a not dissimilar position. The English heavyweights have restored several senior figures for their South African tour, including Ben Earl, Elliot Daly, Owen Farrell and Jamie George.
Hollywoodbets Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Ethan Hooker, 12 Andre Esterhuizen (C)*, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 George Whitehead, 9 Grant Williams; 1 Phatu Ganyane, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 4 Jason Jenkins, 5 Emile van Heerden, 6 Siya Kolisi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi.
Replacements: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 18 Mawande Mdanda, 19 Marvin Orie, 20 Matt Romao, 21 Nick Hatton, 22 Jaden Hendrikse, 23 Jordan Hendrikse.
