Springbok prop Vincent Koch will make his long-awaited Sharks debut in the Vodacom URC clash with Ulster in Durban on Saturday.
Koch, who joined the Sharks from Stade Francais, has fully recovered from the knee injury he suffered during the 2023 World Cup and will make his debut off the bench at Kings Park.
KEO: SA teams shackled by stop-start URC
Lukhanyo Am has returned to lead the Sharks, as John Plumtree made six changes from the side that lost to the Lions in Johannesburg.
Eben Etzebeth returns to the second row, while young tighthead Hanro Jacobs replaces Coenie Oosthuizen at tighthead prop and Phepsi Buthelezi comes in at openside flank for James Venter.
Scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse and wing Makazole Mapimpi are back to make it five World Cup winners in the Sharks’ starting lineup.
Young centre Ethan Hooker shifts to the No 12 jersey to accommodate Am’s return.
Loosehead prop Ntuthuko Mchunu will make his 50th appearance for the Sharks in an international tournament.
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
The post Sharks debut for Koch appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
