Eben Etzebeth is one of four Springbok players who’ll make a welcome return to the Sharks’ match-day squad for their United Rugby Championship game on Friday night.

The lanky lock will lead the Sharks in their round 15 clash with Edinburgh in Scotland’s cultural heart.

It has been six months since head coach John Plumtree was able to select his strongest possible side and that is a big plus for the team who also welcome back Etzebeth’s fellow Springbok stars Lukhanyo Am and Aphelele Fassi to the starting line-up and Grant Williams on the bench.

This means the Sharks will feature 12 Springboks in their starting lineup and 15 overall in the match 23.

“The squad is back to full strength for the first time since the game against Glasgow which is good, that was a long time ago, and hopefully we will keep all the bodies nice and healthy in the build-up to the finals,” said Plumtree about his returning Springbok men on the eve of the match.

“We’ve had good preparation, although we haven’t played for a couple of weeks, and we just want to have a good tour, try and set ourselves up for a home quarter and potentially a home semi if we win our next four games. But for now, our focus is to do well on this tour.”

“Edinburgh is going to be a tough game, they’re in good form and their confidence will be really high, so we know it’s going to be a tough match,” Plumtree added.

“Winning VURC games away from home isn’t easy and it certainly hasn’t been easy for us as
a team in the past, so it would be great if we have a good performance against Edinburgh.”

Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassie, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Jaden Hendrikste, 8 Siya Kolisi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Eben Etzebeth (captain), 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.
Subs: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Jason Jenkins, 20 James Venter, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Jurenzo Julius.

WILL THESE SPRINGBOK STARS LEAD THE SHARKS TO VICTORY?

Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.

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Meanwhile, here is an important reminder on ticket sales for the Springbok men’s game against Argentina in the Rugby Championship at Twickenham in October.

Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/springboks/springbok-quartet-including-etzebeth-returns-for-sharks/