Sharks head coach JP Pietersen has picked 18-year-old Zekhethelo Siyaya at flyhalf.
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The Sharks return to Kings Park on Saturday for their penultimate United Rugby Championship (URC) fixture against Benetton, with head coach JP Pietersen naming a significantly reshaped matchday squad after a two-week break.
With playoff hopes already ended, the Sharks have opted for a blend of proven internationals and emerging talent, particularly in the backline.
One of the standout selections is the continued inclusion of promising youngster Zekhethelo Siyaya at flyhalf, where he has been handed a key playmaking role in a backline heavily depleted by injuries. He partners scrumhalf Bradley Davids in a relatively untested halfback combination.
The forward pack carries a strong Springbok influence, with Siya Kolisi starting at flank alongside Vincent Tshituka, while Emmanuel Tshituka anchors the back row at No 8. Up front, Ox Nche and Vincent Koch bring international experience in a powerful front row alongside hooker Eduan Swart, ending Pietersen’s recent experiment of using the trio off the bench.
Jason Jenkins and Emile van Heerden form the lock pairing, adding physicality in the engine room against a Benetton side known for its set-piece strength and abrasive defence.
Out wide, Makazole Mapimpi and Edwill van der Merwe provide pace and finishing power, while Junior Bok star Jaco Williams, returning from injury, slots in at fullback to complete the back three. In midfield, captain Andre Esterhuizen partners Jurenzo Julius in a combination that offers both power and attacking flair.
Among the replacements, Corne Rahl is set to make his 50th appearance in international competition for the franchise, adding further experience to the bench.
The Sharks will be targeting a disciplined and energetic performance as they look to close out their season with back-to-back strong finishes in Durban. Kickoff is at 4pm.
Sharks team to face Benetton:
15 Jaco Williams, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Jurenzo Julius , 12 Andre Esterhuizen (capt), 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Zekhethelo Siyaya, 9 Bradley Davids, 8 Emmanuel Tshituka, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Eduan Swart, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Phatu Ganyane, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Corne Rahl, 20. Nicholas Hatton, 21 Ross Braude, 22 Jean Smith, 23 Litelihle Bester.