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The team from Durban are currently in fourth place on the points table with three regular season matches remaining.
Three of the 12 Springboks in the Sharks’ starting team for the match against Ulster, Jaden Hendrikse, Jason Jenkins and Vincent Koch. Picture: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
Looking to solidify their place in the top four on the United Rugby Championship points table, the Sharks are just about at full-strength for their round 16 match against Ulster in Belfast on Saturday.
Coach John Plumtree has made just two changes to the side that edged Edinburgh 18-17 last weekend, bringing in James Venter at flank and Jason Jenkins at lock.
For the rest, it is the same starting XV that featured last week. In all there are 12 Springboks in the starting team.
‘Mood in the camp is great’
Centre Andre Esterhuizen said the Sharks players were in a good space mentally ahead of their last overseas game for the season, outside of the playoffs.
“We’ve taken a lot of learnings from our game against Edinburgh, and we’ve had a good
training week leading into this match against Ulster,” said the big centre.
“The boys are looking focused and ready for the task ahead, everyone is in high spirits and
the mood in the camp is great.
“We’ve had a good tour so far, but we know we have a big, big game against Ulster. It’s a
massive game for them, their last home game and they’ll be amped. They also have some
players who will feature in their last ever home game for Ulster and we’re expecting a lot from
them.
“Hopefully we put in a strong finish to the tour.”
Sharks team: Aphelele Fassi, Ethan Hooker, Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Makazole Mapimpi, Jordan Hendrikse, Jaden Hendrikse, Siya Kolisi, Vincent Tshituka, James Venter, Jason Jenkins, Eben Etzebeth (capt), Vincent Koch, Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche. Bench: Fez Mbatha, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Hanro Jacobs, Manu Tshituka, Phepsi Buthelezi, Bradley Davids, Siya Masuku, Jurenzo Julius
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