Springbok colossus Eben Etzebeth has been described as “the best lock in the world” by Sharks head coach Sean Everitt, and he will undoubtedly want to live up to that billing when he makes his debut tomorrow afternoon against the Glasgow Warriors at Hollywoodbets Kings Park (4.05pm).
Etzebeth is finally in Sharks colors after leaving Toulon last year, but aside from Jaden Hendrikse at scrumhalf, a number of other Boks will play off the bench as Everitt maintains some continuity with the team that performed well abroad.
Everitt stated, “Eben is the best lock in the world.” “Therefore, it’s wonderful to have him, and it’s one of the reasons why we’re starting him.
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“We believe we can enhance our lineouts, and Eben will contribute significantly in that regard, in addition to his ball-carrying skills.”
Grant Williams suffered an injury against Leinster last week, therefore Hendrikse is the other Bok who may immediately into the lineup.
Everitt explained, “We’ve been gone for three weeks, and the Springboks had a week off before returning to training last week.” “We used the previous week to integrate them. Funny enough, they haven’t had much of a chance to workout with the rest of the team until Thursday.
“Cohesion is essential, and too many changes at once can cause some disruption. A portion of the Springboks will be used off the bench as part of our strategy. In addition, it awards select players who performed well on tour.
Cohesion plays a significant role in ensuring a successful start versus Glasgow.
The Sharks have the best of both worlds because they will start the game with the team that performed well overseas, and then in the second half they will bring on a notable bomb squad, including Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche, Carlu Sadie, and Siya Kolisi in the forwards, as well as Bok wing Makazole Mapimpi.
Everitt stated, “We are fortunate with a plethora of quality in our front row.” “Having access to players like Ox, Bongi, and Carlu surely helps our case. Having Siya and Makazole as leaders also makes for a formidable matchday-23.”
Alongside Etzebeth will be another debutant, flanker Vincent Tshituka, and Phepsi Buthelezi will replace Sikhumbuzo Notshe at number eight.
Anthony Volmink replaces Thaakir Abrahams on the left flank, while Marnus Potgieter replaces the suspended Rohan Janse van Rensburg in the center.
“Rohan has performed exceptionally well since joining the Sharks. It has nearly revitalized his career, according to Everitt. Everitt stated, “At the same time, I am excited for Marnus.” “He is given the chance to start in the number 13 shirt, his favoured position.”
Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Marnus Potgieter, 12 Ben Tapuai, 11 Anthony Volmink, 10 Boeta Chamberlain, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Dylan RIchardson, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Thomas du Toit (capt), 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Subs: 16 Bongo Mbonambi, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Carlu Sadie, 19 Reniel Hugo 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21 Siya Kolisi, 22 Cameron Wright, 23 Makazola Mapimpi.