Sharks pick 12 Boks for Kings Park clash against Munster

Sharks director of rugby Neil Powell has picked 12 Springboks in his match-23 for the final round United Rugby Championship clash against Munster in Durban on Saturday.

The good news for the Sharks, who are just about sure of their spot in the quarter-finals, but aren’t yet sure in which position they will finish on the log, is that powerful centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg is back in the matchday squad after missing out last week.

Van Rensburg left the field during the Champions Cup match against Toulouse two weeks ago and missed last week’s URC clash against Benetton. He will fill a place on the bench on Saturday.

Quarter-finals

The Sharks are in eighth place on the URC log, with 46 points, and can move up to sixth place if results go their way this weekend.

Benetton, who face the Stormers on Friday night, are ninth, and unlikely to move into eighth place, even with a win in Stellenbosch, as they are five points behind the Sharks and their points differential is way off the pace.

Besides Janse van Rensburg coming onto the bench, there is also one change in the starting XV, Jeandre Labuschagne replacing Hyron Andrews, who went off with concussion in the last match, in the second row.

Munster

The last time the Sharks face Munster, three weeks ago in the Champions Cup, Powell’s team won 50-35, but according to prop Thomas du Toit, things will be different on this occasion.

“I don’t think it’s going to be the same team that rocks up here, especially after the way we played them last time,” explained Du Toit. “They will be much better prepared, they would have had some hard, tough conversations in their camp after that game.

“So no, they won’t be that same side, they played unbelievably well against the Stormers (last weekend) and we will see more of that.

“So this is a different ball game, we’re not expecting 50 points – although if it comes, we’ll definitely take it – but we expect a really tough game.”

Sharks: Boeta Chamberlain, Werner Kok, Lukhanyo Am, Ben Tapuai, Makazole Mapimpi, Curwin Bosch, Grant Williams, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Vincent Tshituka, Siya Kolisi (capt), Gerbrandt Grobler, Jeandre Labuschagne, Thomas du Toit, Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche. Bench: Kerron van Vuuren, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Carlu Sadie, Reniel Hugo, Phepsi Buthelezi, Cameron Wright, Rohan Janse van Rensburg, Aphelele Fassi