The Sharks boast a halfback pairing with Springbok pedigree for Saturday’s decisive Investec Champions Cup clash against Clermont in Durban.
Jordan and Jaden Hendrikse combine at flyhalf and scrumhalf respectively, headlining several key changes to the Sharks side for their must-win pool fixture at Kings Park.
There’s also a welcome return to the starting XV for Bok heavyweights Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi and Aphelele Fassi, as coach JP Pietersen looks to inject experience and composure into a team still chasing a playoff berth.
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Despite two away defeats earlier in the competition, the Sharks remain alive in the qualification race, but Saturday’s encounter will be a straight shootout. Clermont arrive in Durban winless after three matches, and are likely to field a weakened team. But the Sharks have stressed the need for a convincing win with five log points and an improved points difference.
Nick Hatton again leads from No 8 and is one of only six survivors from the team that started against Sale in Manchester last weekend.
SHARKS – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Le Roux Malan, 12 Jurenzo Julius, 11 PK Sobahle, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Nick Hatton (c), 7 Manu Tshituka, 6 Matt Ramao, 5 Jason Jenkins, 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.
Bench: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Phatu Ganyane, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Emile van Heerden, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Ross Braude, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Hakeem Kunene.
Photo: Tyler Miller/Sportsfile via Getty Images
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