Sharks get Bok boost for derby duel

Veteran centre Francois Venter will start for the Sharks against coastal rivals DHL Western Province in the Currie Cup at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.

DHL Western Province are in sixth place on the standings, with the Sharks heading to the Mother City two positions higher in fourth. Three wins and a draw from their last four outings has propelled the Durbanites up the log.

Head coach JP Pietersen has made five changes to last week’s side which clinched a late victory over the Cheetahs at Free State Stadium.

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Scrumhalf Bradley Davids comes in for Jaden Hendrikse, who has linked up with the Springboks after getting back to match fitness in the Currie Cup.

A new and imposing centre pairing of Bok centre Venter and Jurenzo Julius replaces Alwayno Visagie and Lili Bester respectively, while Tiaan Swanepoel comes in for Hakeem Kunene at fullback.

There is just one change to the pack, where blindside flanker Siya Ningiza takes over from the impressive Jannes Potgieter.

Sharks: 15 Tiaan Swanepoel, 14 Eduan Keyter, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Francois Venter, 11 Yaw Penxe, 10 Lionel Cronje, 9 Bradley Davids, 8 Nick Hatton (c), 7 Siya Ningiza, 6 Tino Mavesere, 5 Reniel Hugo, 4 Bathobele Hlekani, 3 Kabous Bezuidenhout, 2 Dan Jooste, 1 Dian Bleuler.
Subs: 16 Bryce Calvert, 17 Braam Reyneke, 18 Mawande Mdandat, 19 Coetzee le Roux, 20 Hennie Sieberhagen, 21 Tiaan Fourie, 22 Christie Grobbelaar, 23 Anthony Volmink.

The post Sharks get Bok boost for derby duel appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.