Sharks roll out another bruising, Bok-heavy side for Ulster

The Sharks have named a powerful, largely unchanged side to take on Ulster in Belfast on Saturday night as they look to round off their overseas leg of the United Rugby Championship with back-to-back wins.

Head coach John Plumtree has made just two changes to the XV that overcame Edinburgh last week. Jason Jenkins comes in at lock for the injured Emile van Heerden, while James Venter swaps in for Phepsi Buthelezi on the flank.

The starting pack features four Springboks, including captain Eben Etzebeth, with a further two on the bench. Siya Kolisi continues at No.8 and Bongi Mbonambi and Vincent Koch retain their starting roles in the front row.

In the backline, there’s no change. Jaden Hendrikse and Jordan Hendrikse continue in the halves, with Andre Esterhuizen and Lukhanyo Am forming a formidable midfield combination. Makazole Mapimpi starts on the left wing, and Aphelele Fassi remains at fullback.

Andre Esterhuizen, speaking from the squad’s base in Belfast, said the group is focused and in good spirits ahead of a game they expect to be highly charged.

“We’ve had a good tour so far, but we know we have a big, big game against Ulster,” said the hulking centre. “They’ll be amped. It’s their last home game and a few of their guys are bowing out.”

The Sharks currently sit just outside the playoff spots and will be aiming to return home with momentum ahead of two final home games at Kings Park.

Hollywoodbets Sharks
1. Ox Nche
2. Bongi Mbonambi
3. Vincent Koch
4. Eben Etzebeth (c)
5. Jason Jenkins
6. James Venter
7. Vincent Tshituka
8. Siya Kolisi
9. Jaden Hendrikse
10. Jordan Hendrikse
11. Makazole Mapimpi
12. Andre Esterhuizen
13. Lukhanyo Am
14. Ethan Hooker
15. Aphelele Fassi

REPLACEMENTS:
16. Fez Mbatha
17. Ntuthuko Mchunu
18. Hanro Jacobs
19. Manu Tshituka
20. Phepsi Buthelezi
21. Bradley Davids
22. Siya Masuku
23. Jurenzo Julius