Sharks get Bok boost for Euro semi

May 3, 2024 Vaseline stjohnson 0

Two-time World Cup winner Bongi Mbonambi will start in a Springbok-laden Sharks lineup against Clermont in the Challenge Cup playoff at Twickenham Stoop on Saturday.

Hooker Mbonambi, who sat out last week’s win over Scarlets in Wales, packs down in a formidable front row with Bok props Ox Nche and Vincent Koch.

Lukhanyo Am will lead the team that includes only one other change, with James Venter coming in at openside flanker that sees Phepsi Buthelezi shift to the back of the scrum while Vincent Tshituka will run out in the No 7 jersey.

Fez Mbatha and Jeandre Labuschagne drop to the bench where they are set to make an impact with Cameron Wright, who replaces Jaden Hendrikse.

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Am said the Durbanites are excited for the semi-final in London, adding, “In games like this, it’s about getting the best prep and we’ve done a great deal to put ourselves in this position and once you’re in the changeroom , it’s about having confidence in the prep you’ve done.

“This game is a big one for us and everyone is hyped and excited to be playing in a semi against a quality side like Clermont.”

“We back our set piece against a good Clermont set piece and they do mix it up between forwards and backs, which is the same with us. So it’s definitely going to be an exciting game.

“With all the prep we’ve done, I think we’re ready.”

Sharks – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Lukhanyo Am (c), 12 Ethan Hooker, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 James Venter, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.
Subs: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Gerbrandt Grobler, 20 Jeandre Labuschagne, 21 Cameron Wright, 22 Boeta Chamberlain, 23 Francois Venter.

Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images