DURBAN - The Sharks will field arguably their strongest team of the year for probably their most important match so far when they host the Currie Cup log-leading Bulls on Saturday night (7pm).
Coach Sean Everitt had virtually his whole squad to choose from — barring injured fullbacks Aphelele Fassi and Anthony Volmink — after receiving a host of players back from Covid-19 isolation.
He also has his captain, Lukhanyo Am, fit again after a month on the sidelines with a hand injury, and the backline indeed looks enterprising — also back in the starting lineup on the right wing is another World Cup winner in Sbu Nkosi, who had such a fine cameo off the bench in the Sharks’ last match, against the Pumas.
The Sharks were worst hit at loose forward by the Covid outbreak and this week Everitt had plenty of riches at his disposal after having had to pick lock JJ van der Mecht on the flank against the Pumas.
Back at No 8 is Springbok Sikhumbuzo Notshe, and resuming at blindside flank after missing three matches is experienced former Cheetah Henco Venter.
ALSO READ: Sharks strongman Thomas du Toit ready to empty the Tank against Bulls
Everitt has opted for young dynamo Dylan Richardson at openside flank, with loose forward back up provided by Thembelani Bholi and Phepsi Buthelezi.
Everitt has opted for rotation at hooker, with Dan Jooste starting and Kerron van Vuuren providing power off the bench.
The coach has gone for a 6-2 split on the bench in favour of the forwards and in anticipation of the Bulls’ onslaught up front.
Sharks team
15 Manie Libbok, 14 Sbu Nkosi, 13 Lukhanyo Am (capt), 12 Marius Louw, 11 Yaw Penxe, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Sanele Nohamba, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Henco Venter, 6 Dylan Richardson, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Daniel Jooste, 1 Ox Nche.
Bench: 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Mzamo Majola, 18 Michael Kumbirai, 19 JJ van der Mescht, 20 Thembelani Bholi, 21 Phepsi Buthelezi, 22 Jaden Hendrikse, 23 Jeremy Ward.
@IOLsport