Sharks welcome back Springboks for Leinster clash as both hunt first win

The Sharks have been boosted by a return of some of their South Africa internationals for their clash with United Rugby Championship winners Leinster on Saturday at the Aviva Stadium.

Fresh from defending the Rugby Championship title with a 29-27 victory over Argentina at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium on Saturday, John Plumtree has welcomed back winger Ethan Hooker to the XV, who started in London. Bongi Mbonambi, who was a replacement against the Pumas, will also start on the bench in Dublin.

While there are plenty of Springboks yet to return, this is a positive boost for a Sharks side that are still hunting for their first win after a round one defeat to Glasgow Warriors and a round two draw with the Dragons.

Leinster are yet to record a win as well, having lost to the Stormers 35-0 in round one in Cape Town, followed by a 39-31 loss to the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld.

Having been without a number of their Test stars, vice-captain Lukhanyo Am has taken the positives from the first two rounds. He said: “We’ve been really impressed with the young blood coming through, guys showing such grit in the past two games.

Fixture

United Rugby Championship

Leinster

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“It’s the beginning of the season and we have so much potential to grow.”

On the return of some Springbok players, he said: “They’re quality players, they will fit in perfectly and having them in our squad will definitely help us.

“It’s the last game on tour and we’re facing a quality side, the champs, but this is one game everyone is really excited about and looking forward to playing. We have a lot to prove playing Leinster at their home ground.

“Leinster are coming back from tour, playing their first game back at home with their British & Irish Lions players returning, while we’ve had a boost with some Springbok guys joining us, so we want to finish the tour on a high.

“They’re a quality side and when you face a team like that, you must capitalise on the opportunities you get. They have great players and great systems, but for us, it’s when we do create those opportunities, we have to ensure nine out of ten times we capitalise.”

Sharks XV
1. Simphiwe Matanzima
2. Fez Mbatha
3. Ruan Dreyer
4. Jason Jenkins
5. Marvin Orie
6. Phepsi Buthelezi
7. Emmanuel Tshituka
8. Vincent Tshituka (C)
9. Jaden Hendrikse
10. Jean Smith
11. Makazole Mapimpi
12. Lukhanyo Am
13. Jurenzo Julius
14. Ethan Hooker
15. Edwill van der Merwe

Replacements
16. Bongi Mbonambi
17. Dian Bleuler
18. Vincent Koch
19. Bathobele Hlekani
20. Nick Hatton
21. Ross Braude
22. Siya Masuku
23. Francois Venter