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The Durban-based side take on Edinburgh and Ulster in Europe on back-to-back weekends.
Eben Etzebeth is fit to tour with the Sharks this week. Picture: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
Springbok stars Eben Etzebeth, Aphelele Fassi, Lukhanyo Am and Grant Williams are back in the Sharks fold following lengthy injury layoffs and will tour with the team in Europe over the next two weeks where they will play in the United Rugby Championship.
The Sharks will face Edinburgh this Friday at the Hive Stadium before taking on Ulster in Belfast next weekend.
Edinburgh have beaten the Lions and Bulls in recent weeks in the Challenge Cup competition. They are currently eighth in the points table, while the Sharks are fourth. Ulster are sixth in the standings.
Etzebeth’s return is good news for the Sharks, who’re looking to finish in the top four at the end of the season to have a home game in the quarter-finals. Also, Springbok boss Rassie Erasmus will be pleased with the veteran lock’s return as the world champions’ first assignment in 2025 is now just two months away.
The 35-year-old lock last played rugby four months ago after suffering concussion.
In all, Sharks boss John Plumtree has selected 16 Springbok players in the tour squad.
The two promising stars of the last season, Ethan Hooker and Jurenzo Julius, are also included in the tour party as is scrumhalf Bradley Davids, who’ll back up Jaden Hendrikse and Williams.
Sharks touring team:
Forwards: Bongi Mbonambi, Eben Etzebeth, Emile van Heerden, Ethan Bester, Fez Mbatha, Hanro Jacobs, James Venter, Jason Jenkins, Manu Tshituka, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Ox Nche, Phepsi Buthelezi, Ruan Dreyer, Siya Kolisi, Vincent Koch, Vincent Tshituka
Backs: Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Bradley Davids, Ethan Hooker, Grant Williams, Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Jurenzo Julius, Lukhanyo Am, Makazole Mapimpi, Siya Masuku, Yaw Penxe
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