Champions Cup: Siya Kolisi leads Sharks into battle against Toulouse

The match pits the reigning EPCR Challenge Cup champions against the French giants at Hollywoodbets Kings Park at 17:15 on Saturday.

This crucial third match of the pool stages pits two of the biggest names in franchise rugby in what should be an epic showdown between two teams proudly representing South Africa and France.

Bongi Mbonambi's welcome return sees him form an all-Bok front row, alongside Ox Nche and Vincent Koch, but sadly Eben Etzebeth has not been passed fit to play this weekend. Also missing are centre Andre Esterhuizen and fullback Aphelele Fassi after the duo were injured in the United Rugby Championship clash with the Stormers.

Francois Venter partners Ethan Hooker in the midfield, while Makazole Mapimpi is back in the starting line-up after missing the Stormers game. Hakeem Kunene is named at fullback in the absence of Aphelele Fassi.

Commenting on the scrum battle and the return of his front row partner, Ox Nche admits that given the size of the challenge they face, Bongi Mbonambi's inclusion is a big boost for the Sharks.

"Bongi is a vital part of the pack, but scrumming is a pack effort involving all eight guys, and against a team like Toulouse, if one guy is off, it becomes very difficult," Nche told the Sharks' website.

"I've scrummed a lot of games with Bongi, so I connect well with him, we're both on the same page and he's a big factor in our scrum."

Sharks - 15 Hakeem Kunene, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Ethan Hooker, 12 Francois Venter, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Siya Kolisi (c), 7 Manu Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Jason Jenkins, 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.

Replacements: 16 Dylan Richardson, 17 Ruan Dreyer, 18 Trevor Nyakane, 19 Lappies Labuschagne, 20 Vincent Tshituka, 21 Nick Hatton, 22 Bradley Davids, 23 Jurenzo Julius.

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