For Sharks coach, John Plumtree it is another week and another challenge as he readies his team for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship match against Cardiff (7.15pm kick-off) after a battering in Bordeaux in the Champions Cup.
The New Zealander picked a new captain in Vincent Tshituka on Thursday because Springbok captain Siya Kolisi is entering a spell of resting as per Springbok protocols.
It is a challenging time for Plumtree as he juggles a heavy injury list with the reality of Springbok requirements, while also trying to win games in various tournaments.
The big defeat in Bordeaux has the silver lining of meaning the Sharks can concentrate on the URC and, later, defending their Challenge Cup title.
Kolisi makes way at No 8 for the return of Currie Cup captain Nick Hatton, while Tshituka is back in the starting line-up in the unfamiliar role of No 4 lock.
This is because the Sharks are thin on the ground in the second row.
At the weekend, they lost Corné Rahl to concussion, and Plumtree has no recognised locks to call up – the likes of Eben Etzebeth and Gerbrandt Grobler are at the front of a long list of injured second-rowers.
Another player back from injury, albeit after a much shorter absence than Tshituka’s, is Bok flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse, who has been slotted in at fullback for the injured Aphelele Fassi and Hakeem Kunene.
Hendrikse did not play against Bordeaux game because of injury, and his inclusion this week at No 15 allows Siya Masuku to continue at flyhalf after being ignored for a long period.
* Meanwhile, the EPCR organisers announced late on Thursday that Sharks fullback Hakeem Kunene will receive a three-week suspension for a dangerous tackle against Bordeaux.
“Sharks fullback Hakeem Kunene has been suspended for three weeks following the decision of an independent Disciplinary Committee arising from the Champions Cup Round 4 match between Bordeaux and Sharks,” the statement read.
“Kunene was cited by the match Citing Commissioner, Tim Lowry (Ireland), for a dangerous tackle on Bordeaux wing Arthur Retiere, in the 12th minute of the match.
“Kunene accepted that he had committed an act of foul play, but did not accept that it warranted a red card. The Committee heard evidence and submissions from the player and his representatives, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.
“The Committee determined that Kunene had committed an act of foul play that did warrant a red card and accordingly upheld the citing.
“It was then decided that the offending was at the mid-range of World Rugby’s sanctions, and six weeks was selected as the appropriate entry point.
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— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) January 23, 2025
“Taking into account the player’s acceptance that he had committed an act of foul play, his good disciplinary record and his full co-operation with the disciplinary process, the Committee decided to reduce the sanction by the maximum of 50% before imposing a three-week suspension.
“Due to his club’s upcoming fixtures and his current injury status, Kunene will be free to play on Monday, 10 March.
“However, if he applies for and successfully completes a World Rugby Coaching Intervention, he will be free to play on Monday, 3 March.” | Independent Media Sport
Sharks Team
15 Jordan Hendrikse 14 Yaw Penxe 13 Jurenzo Julius 12 Ethan Hooker 11 Makazole Mapimpi 10 Siya Masuku 9 Grant Williams 8 Nick Hatton 7 Emmanuel Tshituka 6 Phepsi Buthelezi 5 Jason Jenkins 4 Vincent Tshituka (captain) 3 Trevor Nyakane 2 Bongi Mbonambi 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Bench: 16 Ethan Bester 17 Ruan Dreyer 18 Vincent Koch 19 Deon Slabbert 20 Jeandré Labuschagne 21 Jaden Hendrikse 22 Francois Venter 23 Lukhanyo Am.