Junior Springbok flyhalf Vusi Moyo will make his URC debut for the Sharks in the No 10 jersey in their final match of the season, at home to Zebre on Saturday.
Image: Maurilio Boldrini / World Rugby
Junior Springbok flyhalf Vusi Moyo will make his United Rugby Championship debut at No 10 for the Sharks in Saturday’s season finale against Zebre Parma at Kings Park (1.45pm kick-off), with teenage sensation Zekhetelo Siyaya returning to fullback after a brief but promising stint at flyhalf against Benetton.
Moyo, who was part of the Junior Bok squad that lifted the U20 Rugby Championship title recently, steps into the starting XV as the Sharks continue to rotate and reward emerging talent in their final fixture of the season.
He replaces Junior Bok World Cup winner Jaco Williams, who shifts back to his preferred position on the wing in place of injured Springbok veteran Edwill van der Merwe — who scored a brace in last weekend’s emphatic win over Benetton.
Siyaya and Williams have both been included in the latest Springbok alignment camp and will be eager to reinforce their growing reputations with another strong showing in Durban.
There is further change in the backline, with Litelihle Bester promoted to the starting XV following his try-scoring debut off the bench. He comes in for Makazole Mapimpi, who picked up two heavy knocks in the 46–7 victory and misses out through injury.
Le Roux Malan is named among the replacements and takes Bester’s place on the bench, while Deon Slabbert comes in for Corne Rahl in the No. 19 jersey. Jurenzo Julies — who grabbed a hat-trick last weekend — continues his midfield partnership with captain Andre Esterhuizen as the Sharks aim to build on their dominant attacking display.
Head coach JP Pietersen has largely retained his forward pack, opting for continuity as the Durban-based franchise look to finish a frustrating campaign on a positive note.
The fixture will also carry immense emotional weight, marking the final appearance for Springbok captain Siya Kolisi in Sharks colours. The loose forward will run out in the No. 6 jersey for the last time at Kings Park, bringing an era to a close in front of the home crowd.
Sharks team to face Zebre Parma:
15 Zekhethelo Siyaya, 14 Jaco Williams, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Andre Esterhuizen (c), 11 Litelihle Bester, 10 Vusi Moyo, 9 Bradley Davids, 8 Nick Hatton, 7 Emmanuel 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 Deon Slabbert, 20 Matt Romao, 21 Ross Braude, 22 Jean Smith, 23 Le Roux Malan.