In a formidable lineup reveal for the upcoming coastal derby, Sharks coach JP Pietersen has called up his top guns to face the Stormers at Cape Town Stadium this Saturday. Key players Ox Nché, Eben Etzebeth, and Ethan Hooker have been moved to the starting XV as a robust response to the Stormers' similar bolstering of their team with seasoned Springboks.
The Sharks, riding high from consecutive victories at Kings Park, are gearing up for their first away clash in this season’s United Rugby Championship. Ox Nché will take his place at loosehead prop, Eben Etzebeth will join Darrien Landsberg in the second row, and Ethan Hooker will showcase his skills on the left wing.
Leading the charge as captain is André Esterhuizen, who will play as inside centre. The midfield will again see the dynamic duo of Esterhuizen and Jurenzo Julius, while the back three will be completed by Zekhethelo Siyaya, Edwill van der Merwe, alongside Hooker. The halves partnership remains solid with Jaden Hendrikse at scrumhalf and Vusi Moyo at flyhalf.
The forward pack sees some strategic adjustments. Matt Ramao steps into the starting lineup in a reshuffled loose trio, joining Manu Tshituka on the flank, while Phepsi Buthelezi takes over the No. 8 jersey from Nick Hatton, who moves to the bench. Thomas du Toit switches back to tighthead prop to accommodate Nché, with Eduan Swart filling in at hooker.
Here is the complete team list for the Sharks:
- Zekhethelo Siyaya
- Edwill van der Merwe
- Jurenzo Julius
- André Esterhuizen (c)
- Ethan Hooker
- Vusi Moyo
- Jaden Hendrikse
- Phepsi Buthelezi
- Manu Tshituka
- Matt Ramao
- Darrien Landsberg
- Eben Etzebeth
- Thomas du Toit
- Eduan Swart
- Ox Nché
- Esethu Mnebelele
- Cameron Dawson
- Vincent Koch
- Jason Jenkins
- Stephan Lewies
- Nick Hatton
- Ivan van Zyl
- Gianni Lombard
This set-up no doubt sets the stage for an epic showdown in the heart of Cape Town, as both teams vie to establish dominance early in the season. With such a strong cadre of players, the Sharks are clearly looking to make a statement against their long-time rivals.
As the anticipation builds, fans are left to speculate: who will clinch the victory in this battle of the titans? The upcoming match is definitely one to watch, promising thrilling rugby action from start to finish.
