Sharks head coach JP Pietersen has revealed that his international stars have wasted no time in answering the call to play in the United Rugby Championship. The team's Springbok contingent, who recently returned from a tour to Australia, have expressed their excitement to be back playing for the Sharks. This development is a significant boost for the Durban franchise ahead of their showdown with Leinster on Saturday.
Pietersen mentioned that the six Springboks, including Edwill van der Merwe, André Esterhuizen, and Thomas du Toit, who have played the least for the Boks this season, have put their hands up to play. They will start against Leinster, while Ox Nché, Eben Etzebeth, and Ethan Hooker will provide impact from the bench. The team's response to the call to play has been overwhelmingly positive, with Pietersen stating that it was easy to pick the players.
The Sharks made an impressive start to their URC campaign by beating the Ospreys 41-24 last week. The team's Springboks were in Australia during that match, but Pietersen believes that injecting six internationals into the team will give them another dimension against Leinster. The value of their experience and skill cannot be discounted, and Pietersen is confident that they will make a significant impact.
Leinster, the defending champions, have made five changes to the team that lost to the Lions last week. They have brought several of their big guns back into the starting XV, and Pietersen is not surprised by the team they have put out. He believes that Leinster has a good structure and an experienced coach in Leo Cullen, and that they will deliver on their plan.
Pietersen is excited to measure his team against the best and believes that Leinster is the best club team. He is confident that his team will be able to give a good account of themselves against the defending champions. The Sharks' team for the match includes Luan Giliomee, Edwill van der Merwe, and André Esterhuizen, while Leinster will be led by Todd Lawlor and Robbie Henshaw.
The match is expected to be a closely contested one, with both teams having a lot to prove. Pietersen has praised Leinster's structure and experience, but believes that his team has the talent and skill to give them a run for their money. The Sharks will be looking to build on their impressive start to the URC campaign and make a statement against the defending champions.
The teams for the match have been announced, with the Sharks starting with Luan Giliomee, Edwill van der Merwe, and André Esterhuizen. The replacements include Ethan Bester, Ox Nché, and Eben Etzebeth. Leinster will start with Todd Lawlor, Tommy O'Brien, and Robbie Henshaw, with Gus McCarthy, Alex Usanov, and Brian Deeney among the replacements.
Key points
- The Sharks' Springbok contingent has quickly responded to the call to play in the United Rugby Championship.
- The team has been boosted by the return of six internationals, including Edwill van der Merwe and Eben Etzebeth.
- The Sharks will face defending champions Leinster on Saturday, with both teams expected to give a good account of themselves.
