Eben Etzebeth is one of five returning Springboks for the Sharks’ Vodacom URC clash against Ulster at Kings Park on Saturday.
Back from their Rugby Championship heroics and a break are forwards Ox Nche, Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi who join fellow Boks Bongi Mbonambi and Vincent Koch after the pair played off the bench against Leinster last week.
Scrumhalf Grant Williams and inside centre Andre Esterhuizen join a star-studded backline with Siya Masuku getting his first start of the campaign after playing off the bench last week, joined by another player making his return from injury, Jordan Hendrikse, who provides cover off a powerful bench.
The Sharks are still searching for their first win of the season after defeats to Glasgow and Leinster, and a draw with the Dragons on their three-match tour, while Ulster are coming off a 28-7 victory against the Bulls in Belfast.
HOOKER: Sharks to come out firing
SHARKS – 15 Edwill van der Merwe, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka (c), 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.
Bench: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Simphiwe Matanzima, 18 Ruan Dreyer, 19 Bathobele Hlekani, 20 Emmanuel Tshituka, 21 Jaden Hendrikse, 22 Jordan Hendrikse, 23 Lukhanyo Am.
Guess who’s back
@vodacom #URC pic.twitter.com/nCA6anwl9W
— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) October 15, 2025
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
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