Sharks bring out the Bok big guns for clash against Harlequins

Finally a Sharks team that packs serious punch.

That’s what coach Neil Powell has put together for the Sharks’ first match in the Champions Cup this weekend when the Durban-based side take on Harlequins at Kings Park on Saturday.

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi will lead the team that includes eight Boks in the starting XV.

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Also in action this weekend will be the likes of Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi, Eben Etzebeth, Jaden Hendrikse and Makazole Mapimpi.

But it is not just the Bok players who bring power and experience to the side, but a number of other players who’ve been in good form in 2022. Phepsi Buthulezi, Vincent Tshituka, Werner Kok and Ben Tampuai have all played well this season, while on the bench the Sharks have genuine impact players in Ntuthuko Mchunu, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Grant Williams and Rohan Janse van Rensburg.

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Powell, who only recently took over from the sacked Sean Everitt, will bee desperate to get off to winning start in Europe’s elite rugby competition.

Kick-off on Saturday is 3pm.

Sharks: Boeta Chamberlain, Werner Kok, Francois Venter, Ben Tapuai, Makazole Mapimpi, Curwin Bosch, Jaden Hendrikse, Phepsi Buthulezi, Vincent Tshituka, Siya Kolisi (capt), Gerbrandt Grobler, Eben Etzebeth, Carlu Sadie, Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche. Bench: Dan Jooste, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Khutha Mchunu, Hyron Andrews, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Grant Williams, Lionel Cronje, Rohan Janse van Rensburg