Sharks rest big guns for URC clash against Connacht

Director of Rugby Neil Powell has remained in Durban to prepare for next week's big game against Bordeaux Begles and has entrusted Currie Cup Head Coach, Joey Mongalo with the coaching reigns for this match.

Mongalo has been in the Sharks' coaching set-up since June 2022, after exiting his role as Bulls defence coach, and has earned a huge amount of respect within The Sharks structures.

Speaking after his team dispatched the Vodacom Bulls 47-20 last week, Powell emphasised the need to keep his squad fresh, the players' workload managed, and give opportunities to players throughout the squad.

With that in mind, most of the players who have contributed heavily over the last month are remaining in Durban, paving the way for the re-introduction of many players who now get an opportunity to shine.

Reniel Hugo will lead a Sharks side that shows numerous changes, with flank Henco Venter, centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg and wing Marnus Potgieter retaining their places in the starting XV along with a further six players who had roles in the matchday 23 against the Bulls.

Saturday's clash at the 8129 seater Sportsground in Galway kicks off at 7.15pm.

Sharks: 15 Anthony Volmink, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Murray Koster, 12 Rohan Janse van Rensburg, 11 Marnus Potgieter, 10 Nevaldo Fleurs, 9 Cameron Wright, 8 Celimpilo Gumede, 7 Henco Venter, 6 James Venter, 5 Reniel Hugo (captain), 4 Thembelani Bholi, 3 Carlü Sadie, 2 Fezo Mbatha, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.

Replacements: 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Khutha Mchunu, 19 Ockie Barnard, 20 Corne Rahl, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Lionel Cronje, 23 Ethan Hooker.