Sharks Coach JP Pietersen Promotes 3 Springboks for Stormers Derby
- Sharks coach JP Pietersen named his strongest available XV for Saturday's URC coastal derby at Cape Town Stadium
- Three Springboks who were on the bench have been moved into the starting line-up ahead of the Stormers clash
- André Esterhuizen will captain the side from inside centre as the Sharks look to extend their winning run
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Sharks head coach JP Pietersen has made significant changes to his starting line-up for Saturday's URC coastal derby against the Stormers at Cape Town Stadium, promoting three Springboks from the bench to the run-on side.
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Ox Nché and Eben Etzebeth all move into the starting XV, with Pietersen citing the need to match Stormers coach John Dobson, who has stacked his own side with returning Springboks.
The Sharks travel to Cape Town on the back of consecutive home victories at Kings Park, making this their first away fixture of the URC season.
Springbok trio strengthens the pack
Nché takes his place at loosehead prop, while Etzebeth packs down in the second row alongside Darrien Landsberg. Ethan shifts onto the left wing, joining Zekhethelo Siyaya and Edwill van der Merwe in the back three. André Esterhuizen captains the side from inside centre, continuing his midfield partnership with Jurenzo Julius. Jaden Hendrikse and Vusi Moyo retain the halfback roles.
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Romao earns his start
The loose trio has been restructured, with Matt Romao rewarded with a starting berth. Manu Tshituka lines up at the other flank, while Phepsi Buthelezi moves to No 8, displacing Nick Hatton, who drops to the bench. Thomas du Toit shifts back to tighthead prop to accommodate Nché's inclusion.
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
