Vincent Tshituka leads Sharks in URC opener against Connacht

Following recent snow in the KZN Midlands, the Sharks won't feel too out of their comfort zone with temperatures ranging between 8C and 14C in Galway.

With the clash of URC week one's fixtures and the Currie Cup Final, won by the Sharks last Saturday, the South African teams only commence their URC commitments now in week two.

Head coach John Plumtree used the last few weeks of the Currie Cup tournament for the dual purpose of competing - successfully too - and getting his URC players back to match fitness after their break following a long, tough and also successful 2023/24 season that culminated in EPCR Challenge Cup glory.

As such, this week's team to take on Connacht isn't too dissimilar from the one that defeated the Lions in last week's Currie Cup Final. There are four changes in the pack of forwards, but the backline remains intact from last week.

Vincent Tshituka continues his role as captain on tour with hooker Dylan Richardson replacing Fez Mbatha and Ruan Dreyer coming in for Hanro Jacobs at tighthead prop.

Jason Jenkins earns his debut for the Sharks as he pairs up with Gerbrandt Grobler in the second row, the duo replacing Corne' Rahl and the injured Emile van Heerden respectively.

Saturday's match kicks off at 8.35pm (CAT).

Sharks - 15 Jordan Hendrikse, 14 Eduan Keyter, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Bradley Davids, 8 Manu Tshituka, 7 Vincent Tshituka (c), 6 James Venter, 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 Dylan Richardson, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.

Replacements: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Trevor Nyakane, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Corne' Rahl, 20 Reniel Hugo, 21 Tino Mavesere, 22 Tian Meyer, 23 Gurswin Wehr

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