Eben Etzebeth to captain Sharks in EPCR Challenge Cup final

On this historic occasion, Sharks head coach John Plumtree has stuck with the team that defeated Clermont in the semi-final, with injuries to Jaden Hendrikse and Lukhanyo Am forcing the Springbok duo out of the game.

In the only changes to the starting XV, Gerbrandt Grobler comes in for Emile van Heerden at lock and Francois Venter moves into the inside centre position with Ethan Hooker replacing Lukhanyo Am.

Dylan Richardson and Eduan Keyter both impressed in the last match against Cardiff and have been rewarded with a place in the matchday 23.

The season has built up to this climactic finale and what a way to close out the EPCR Challenge Cup.

"The mood in the camp is pretty good, everyone is focussed," explains loosehead prop Ox Nche, who will be playing his 50th international competition game for the Sharks.

"It's a big game for us all, everyone is in tune and excited; we just want to give it our all."

Nche admits that of vital importance is staying focussed and not being overwhelmed by the occasion. This is where the senior, experienced members of the team have a huge role to play.

"Keeping players calm and everyone focussed on what they need to do and how they can help the team; that's our biggest task at the moment," he added.

The World Cup winner explained that this game is tantamount to a Rugby World Cup Final in many respects.

"This is a serious game, it means a lot to us, it's something we haven't done as a union and it's going to be as big a challenge for us," continued Nche.    

"We're approaching it the same way: the intensity is the same because we could be the first South African team to win a European title."

Sharks - 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Ethan Hooker, 12 Francois Venter, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 James Venter, 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Eben Etzebeth (c), 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche

Replacements: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Lappies Labuschagne, 20 Dylan Richardson, 21 Cameron Wright, 22 Curwin Bosch, 23 Eduan Keyter

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