No Eben but Sharks strengthened for Zebre game
There is still no Eben Etzebeth but Andre Esterhuizen makes a welcome return to the Hollywoodbets Sharks playing squad via the bench for Saturday’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash with Zebre in Durban.
The news that the Springbok strongman Etzebeth would not be playing was leaked to the Durban media earlier in the week so it came as no surprise that he was again absent from the 23-man squad announced on Thursday. However, it is hoped that he may be ready for next weekend’s big clash with URC log leaders Leinster at Hollywoodbets Kings Park.
🔥Your Hollywoodbets Sharks team for Saturday🔥
— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) March 20, 2025
Read the full team release article https://t.co/nPikXUTBzY@Vodacom #URC #SHAvZEB pic.twitter.com/PTMeujbI4L
Esterhuizen will play for the first time since he was injured against the DHL Stormers in the last game of last year and he shares the bench duties with another centre, Francois Venter, who was excellent in the game against the Emirates Lions last time out. That is a clear indication that the Sharks are well stocked at centre, with Makazole Mapimpi’s return from suspension meaning that young Ethan Hooker moves from wing to the midfield, where he will partner Jurenzo Julius.
Vincent Tshituka, who sat out the last Lions game after being injured in the Johannesburg clash between the two teams the week before that, is also back from injury and will start in a back row that also features skipper Siya Kolisi, again playing No 8, as well as Phepsi Buthelezi on the openside. Specialist openside flank James Venter provides cover from the bench.
There’s a change at scrumhalf, where Jaden Hendrikse returns for Grant Williams, who is out this week with an injury. Apart from Etzebeth, there is still no sign of Aphelele Fassi, who was injured in the same Cape Town game as Esterhuizen. Henry Immelman, on loan from the Vodacom Bulls, continues at fullback.
Hollywoodbets Sharks team: Henry Immelman, Yaw Penxe, Jurenzo Julius, Ethan Hooker, Makazole Mapimpi, Jordan Hendrikse, Jaden Hendrikse, Siya Kolisi (captain), Vincent Tshituka, Phepsi Buthelezi, Emile van Heerden, Jason Jenkins, Vincent Koch, Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche. Replacements: Fez Mbatha, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Hanro Jacobs, Corne Rahl, James Venter, Bradley Davids, Francois Venter, Andre Esterhuizen
