Sharks announce squad for Stormers: Kolisi returns, Mapimpi out

Eighthman and Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has returned from injury to lead the Sharks in their United Rugby Championship (URC) match against the Stormers at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 5pm).

The teams are playing in their return leg derby after the Sharks beat the Stormers 21–15 at Kings Park Stadium in Durban on 30 November.

Sharks bolster their squad

The forward trio of hooker Dylan Richardson, lock Emile van Heerden and eighthman Siya Kolisi have all been passed fit after withdrawing from the match late last week.

In other changes, Ethan Hooker shifts from centre to wing to accommodate the absence of Makazole Mapimpi, with the highly-rated, exciting Jurenzo Julius getting a start after wearing the number 23 jersey last week.

“For us, this week was about getting a few bodies back for this match,” explained head coach John Plumtree.

“We had eight forwards out from the pack against the Bulls but the nice thing about coming back from England and getting a win against them is that the boys will go into this game with a bit of confidence.

“Going down to Cape Town and beating the Stormers isn’t an easy task, but we’re looking forward to it.”

“The leaders are doing a good job, demanding standards and even when the chips are down, someone has to step up, and they do,” Plumtree concluded.

Stormers lock JD Schickerling said during the week he was looking forward to a match-up against Eben Etzebeth should he return from injury. However, this will not be the case.

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The Sharks starting XV

1. Ox Nche
2. Dylan Richardson
3. Vincent Koch
4. Jason Jenkins
5. Emile van Heerden
6. Phepsi Buthelezi
7. Emmanuel Tshituka
8. Siya Kolisi ( C )
9. Jaden Hendrikse
10. Jordan Hendrikse
11. Ethan Hooker
12. Andre Esterhuizen
13. Jurenzo Julius
14. Yaw Penxe
15. Aphelele Fassi

Replacements

Francois Venter
Bryce Calvert
Ruan Dreyer
Trevor Nyakane
Corne Rahl
Nicholas Hatton
Bradley Davids
Siya Masuku

The Sharks narrowly beat the Bulls 20–17 in another URC derby last weekend to take them up to fourth on the overall table.

The Stormers earned a more convincing bonus-point victory against the Lions (final score 29–10) but still have a ways to go as they linger in 13th place on the table. Still, they are second in the South African shield behind the Sharks.