Ethan Hooker Returns as Sharks Face New Springboks Setback in URC Race

The Sharks have named a largely unchanged side for their United Rugby Championship match in Durban. Coach JP Pietersen made just two alterations to the starting XV after last weekend’s 45-0 win over Munster.

Team selection

Ethan Hooker returns to the run-on team after family responsibility leave. He pairs with captain Andre Esterhuizen in midfield.

Bradley Davids starts at scrum-half, replacing Grant Williams. Williams is unavailable due to injury.

Pack and backs

• Loose trio: Nick Hatton, Vincent Tshituka, Phepsi Buthelezi.
• Second row: Emile van Heerden and Jason Jenkins.
• Front row: Hanro Jacobs (tighthead), Fez Mbatha (hooker), Phatu Ganyane (loosehead).
• Halfbacks: Jordan Hendrikse and Bradley Davids.
• Wingers: Yaw Penxe and Makazole Mapimpi.
• Fullback: Luan Giliomee, making his second start.

Matchday bench and options

Front-row cover comes from Eduan Swart, Ox Nche and Vincent Koch.

Corne Rahl and Jannes Potgieter complete the forward replacements. Jean Smith and Le Roux Malan are named among the backs.

Possible utility cover

The number 21 jersey may be filled by either Jaden Hendrikse or Ross Braude.

Context and stakes

The Sharks sit 11th on the URC table. They retain an outside chance of qualifying for the play-offs.

To advance in the Race to Eight, they must win their remaining fixtures.

After this match they face Edinburgh away. That follows meetings with the Ospreys and home games against Benetton and Zebre in May.

Disciplinary and availability notes

Eben Etzebeth’s suspension concludes with this round. He will be available for the Challenge Cup round of 16 tie against Connacht.

Several players remain sidelined or suspended. Notable absentees include Grant Williams, Aphelele Fassi, Bongi Mbonambi and Siya Kolisi.

Match details

Starting XV and replacements

• 15 Luan Giliomee
• 14 Yaw Penxe
• 13 Ethan Hooker
• 12 Andre Esterhuizen (c)
• 11 Makazole Mapimpi
• 10 Jordan Hendrikse
• 9 Bradley Davids
• 8 Nick Hatton
• 7 Vincent Tshituka
• 6 Phepsi Buthelezi
• 5 Emile van Heerden
• 4 Jason Jenkins
• 3 Hanro Jacobs
• 2 Fez Mbatha
• 1 Phatu Ganyane

Replacements: Eduan Swart, Ox Nche, Vincent Koch, Corne Rahl, Jannes Potgieter, Jaden Hendrikse / Ross Braude, Jean Smith, Le Roux Malan.

Filmogaz.com will follow the match build-up and reaction. The return of Ethan Hooker adds energy in midfield. The Sharks must navigate recent Springboks setbacks to keep their URC race hopes alive.