JP Pietersen Makes Major Sharks Changes for Stormers Showdown
- Sharks coach JP Pietersen promoted three Springboks from the bench to the starting XV for Saturday's URC coastal derby
- The team selections come as John Dobson also stacked his Stormers side with returning Springbok players
- André Esterhuizen will captain the Sharks as the team heads to Cape Town Stadium for their first away game of the URC season
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Source: Getty Images
CAPE TOWN — The Sharks will head into Saturday’s United Rugby Championship coastal derby with a reinforced starting XV, as coach JP Pietersen turns to three Springboks for the highly anticipated clash against the Stormers at Cape Town Stadium. The move strengthens the Sharks side as they prepare for their first away match of the URC season.
Ox Nché, Eben Etzebeth and Ethan H have all been promoted from the bench into the run-on team, giving Pietersen additional Springbok experience from the opening whistle. The trio will now play a key role as the Sharks look to maintain their strong start to the campaign.
The Stormers will also bring significant international experience into the derby, with coach John Dobson naming a Springbok-heavy squad for the Cape Town encounter. The two sides are therefore set for a contest featuring plenty of familiar faces from the international stage.
Springboks strengthen Sharks starting XV
SA Rugby Magazine reports that Nché takes his place at loosehead prop, with Thomas du Toit shifting to tighthead to accommodate the change and Eduan Swart named at number 2. Etzebeth packs down in the second row alongside Darrien Landsberg, giving the Sharks considerable physical presence up front.
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The loose trio has been reshuffled, with Matt Romao rewarded with a starting berth. Manu Tshituka joins him on the flank, while Phepsi Buthelezi moves to No 8 in place of Nick Hatton, who drops to the bench.
Esterhuizen to captain the backs
André Esterhuizen captains the side from inside centre, again partnering Jurenzo Julius in midfield. Jaden Hendrikse and Vusi Moyo continue as the halfback pairing.
Ethan H starts on the left wing, completing a back three alongside Zekhethelo Siyaya at fullback and Edwill van der Merwe on the right wing.
The Sharks travel to Cape Town after consecutive home wins at Kings Park, making this their first away assignment of the current URC campaign.
Full team (Sharks): 15 Zekhethelo Siyaya, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 André Esterhuizen (c), 11 Ethan H, 10 Vusi Moyo, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Manu Tshituka, 6 Matt Romao, 5 Darrien Landsberg, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Eduan Swart, 1 Ox Nché.
Bench: 16 Esethu Mnebelele, 17 Cameron Dawson, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Jason Jenkins, 20 Stephan Lewies, 21 Nick Hatton, 22 Ivan van Zyl, 23 Gianni Lombard.
Source: Getty Images
Bulls face difficult week before Lions clash
Briefly News previously reported that Vodacom Bulls coach Johan Ackermann admitted his side had endured a difficult week ahead of their URC clash against the Lions at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, 10 October 2026.
The Bulls returned from Ireland after facing Munster, with long travel and illness affecting preparations. Ackermann said several players were unable to train, adding another challenge before a key Jukskei derby.
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Source: Briefly News
