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Sharks recall host of Springboks as they seek rebound against Bulls
By Josh Raisey
Sharks boss JP Pietersen has rung the changes to his side following their defeat to the Lions last week, bringing in eight new players for the trip to Loftus Versfeld to take on the Bulls.
The Sharks entered the clash with the Lions last week on a four-match winning streak in the United Rugby Championship, but fell 34-22 in Johannesburg.
Now a host of changes have been made to the side, with only seven players retaining their place in the starting XV – Jason Jenkins, Tinotenda Mavesere, Vincent Tshituka, Jaden Hendrikse, Edwill van der Merwe, Jurenzo Julius and Jaco Williams, although the latter two have changed position.
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Of the eight players who have come into the starting side, six of them are Springboks, as the 10th-place Sharks look to leapfrog the Bulls, in eighth, in the URC ladder.
There’s been a significant shake-up to the pack, with an entirely new front-row drafted in as Ox Nche, Eduan Swart and Vincent Koch all start. Emile van Heerden also steps into the second-row, while Phepsi Buthelezi takes over at No.8.
In the backs, Jordan Hendrikse gets the nod at fly-half, as Julius shifts to 13 and Andre Esterhuizen comes in at inside centre. Out wide, Makazole Mapimpi starts on the wing with Williams moving to full-back. Francois Venter and Aphelele Fassi have dropped out of the 23 entirely after last week.
Sharks XV
15 Jaco Williams
14 Edwill van der Merwe
13 Jurenzo Julius
12 Andre Esterhuizen
11 Makazole Mapimpi
10 Jordan Hendrikse
9 Jaden Hendrikse
1 Ox Nche
2 Eduan Swart
3 Vincent Koch
4 Jason Jenkins
5 Emile van Heerden
6 Tinotenda Mavesere
7 Vincent Tshituka
8 Phepsi Buthelezi
Replacements
16 Fez Mbatha
17 Phatu Ganyane
18 Hanro Jacobs
19 Corne Rahl
20 Thomas Dyer
21 Ross Braude
22 Siya Masuku
23 Yaw Penxe
