The Hollywoodbets Sharks’ injury crisis deepened this week as Springboks Vincent Koch, Jordan Hendrikse, and Makazole Mapimpi were all ruled out ahead of Sunday’s crucial Investec Champions Cup pool match against Bordeaux Bègles at Stade Chaban-Delmas.
The trio’s absence adds to an apparently evergrowing list of high-profile injuries that has plagued the Durban-based side this season. Players like Eben Etzebeth, Lukhanyo Am, Jordan Hendrikse, Aphelele Fassi and Andre Esterhuizen are already sidelined.
Ntuthuko Mchunu replaces Ox Nche at loosehead prop, with Nche named on the bench after a heavy workload in recent weeks. Trevor Nyakane steps in for Koch at tighthead.
Grant Williams and Siya Masuku form a new halfback pairing in the absence of Jordan and Jaden Hendrikse, while Yaw Penxe shifts to fullback.
Eduan Keyter moves to the wing while Ethan Hooker takes over from Mapimpi on the opposite wing. Jurenzo ‘Boogeyman’ Julius gets the nod at outside centre.
Siya Kolisi will once again lead the side from No.8, with Jason Jenkins and Corne Rahl locking the scrum. Bongi Mbonambi continues at hooker, while Manu Tshituka and Phepsi Buthelezi complete the back row.
“Ox has shouldered a big responsibility,” said Plumtree. “He’s played a lot of rugby, and we obviously have a fairly big injury toll right now. I’m proud of the effort shown by the younger players and hope to see more of that.”
The Sharks head into Sunday’s 3pm clash needing a strong performance to keep their European hopes alive.
“Bordeaux play a similar style of rugby to Toulouse in some ways, so last week’s game certainly helped prep us for this one,” he said.
Hollywoodbets Sharks:
15. Yaw Penxe
14. Eduan Keyter
13. Jurenzo Julius
12. Francois Venter
11. Ethan Hooker
10. Siya Masuku
9. Grant Williams
1. Ntuthuko Mchunu
2. Bongi Mbonambi
3. Trevor Nyakane
4. Corne Rahl
5. Jason Jenkins
6. Phepsi Buthelezi
7. Manu Tshituka
8. Siya Kolisi (c)
Replacements: Ethan Bester, OX Nche, Hanro Jacobs, Jeandre Labuschagne, Dylan Richardson, Bradley Davids, Jaden Hendrikse, Hakeem Kunene
Players not considered for selection due to injury: Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Braam Reyneke, Eben Etzebeth, Emile van Heerden, Fez Mbatha, Gerbrandt Grobler, James Venter, Jordan Hendrikse, Khwezi Mona, Lukhanyo Am, Makazole Mapimpi, Marnus Potgieter, Vincent Koch, Vincent Tshituka.
