RWC-winning Boks named in Sharks squad for Super Hero Sunday

Makazole Mapimpi, Lukhanyo Am, Sbu Nkosi and Thomas du Toit will feature in the opening match of the preseason double-header at the FNB Stadium in Soweto.

The Sharks have managed the workload of their returning World Cup winners over the last month since their return from Japan and the celebrations that followed. All four players did not feature in the Sharks preseason hit-out against Russia last week.

Speaking ahead of their clash against the Stormers this week, Sharks coach Sean Everitt says they’ve tried to ease their World Champions back into training.

“The Springboks returned to training late in December and they hadn’t done any contact work. We kept them out of that due to their workload earlier in the year. We’ve eased them back in and we didn't think it would be right for them come back in and face Russia without any contact fitness or conditioning. We’ve been working hard on that with them over the past two weeks, so they should be game ready,” Everitt said.

The Sharks will face a real acid test this weekend against a physical Stormers pack that includes a bigger contingent of Springbok World Cup winners. 

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi will operate at number 8 this weekend and Steven Kitshoff packs down at loosehead prop. Bongi Mbonambi and Frans Malherbe will feature in the team that will play against the Southern Kings on Friday.

Nevertheless Everitt is well aware that his team will be put through their paces on Sunday.

“There’s no friendly game in rugby - we call it that because there are no log points. Intensity is what we’ve worked on and we want a high work rate and a lot of energy and that’s what we want the crowd to judge us on. It will be an unforgiving game.”

The Sharks squad features plenty of exciting youngsters who will be looking to put in compelling performances ahead of the start of Super Rugby.

“All squads will be using more than 28 players in the tournament, the average in 2019 was between 35-40. The players you’ll be seeing on Sunday will feature in Super Rugby. It’s a big day for everyone, the players will feel they’re on trial even though we’ve had enough time to look at everyone.”

Backs: Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Boeta Chamberlain, Curwin Bosch, Jeremy Ward, Louis Schreuder, Lukhanyo Am, Lwazi Mvovo, Madosh Tambwe, Makazole Mapimpi, Marius Low, Sanele Nohamba, Sbu Nkosi.

Forwards: Dylan Richardson, Henco Venter, Hyron Andrews, James Venter, JJ van der Mescht, John-Hubert Meyer, Kerron van Vuuren, Le Roux Roets, Mzamo Majola, Ox Nche, Ruben van Heerden, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Tera Mtembu, Thomas du Toit, Tyler Paul.