By Staff Writer
- Sharks coach JP Pietersen made just two changes to the team that beat Saracens, with Hakeem Kunene replacing Aphelele Fassi at fullback.
- The Bulls are reeling after back-to-back defeats, including a crushing 50-5 loss to Northampton Saints in their last outing.
The Sharks will run out at a packed Kings Park on Saturday for their United Rugby Championship clash against the Bulls, with confidence soaring after a gutsy 28-23 Champions Cup win over Saracens.
Head coach JP Pietersen has kept faith in most of the side that pulled off the upset. There are just two changes to the starting team — one rotational and one forced.
Jordan Hendrikse returns to the starting line-up at flyhalf, swapping with George Whitehead, while Hakeem Kunene starts at fullback in place of Aphelele Fassi, who is out with a concussion.
The rest of the squad remains unchanged, including Springbok stars Andre Esterhuizen, Siya Kolisi, Grant Williams and Edwill van der Merwe. Esterhuizen will again lead the team as captain.
The Bulls arrive in Durban desperate to turn things around after two heavy defeats — 46-33 to Bordeaux at home and a humiliating 50-5 loss away to Northampton Saints.
Before beating Saracens, the Sharks had also been on a losing streak, with painful losses to Toulouse and Connacht. But Saturday’s performance gave the team the spark they’ve been missing.
“A win is always important,” said Pietersen. “It gives you belief, it gives you something to work on, and it gives you confidence going forward.”
The match will kick off at 6pm as part of the sold-out Sharksfest event, promising an electric atmosphere for one of South Africa’s most heated rugby rivalries.
Pictured above: Sharks players in training.
Image source: Sharks Rugby
