Sharks team to take on Ospreys: Etzebeth returns while three Springboks miss out

Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth has recovered from flu to lead the Sharks in their 17th-round United Rugby Championship match against Ospreys at Kings Park on Friday (kick-off 7pm).

Head coach John Plumtree has largely stuck with the team that defeated Ulster 22–19 in Belfast two weeks ago although three Springboks have been withdrawn from the starting XV.

There’s just the one change to the pack with Dian Bleuler coming in for Ox Nche (who is ill) at loosehead prop, while Siya Masuku replaces Jordan Hendrikse at flyhalf and Jurenzo Julius takes over from Lukhanyo Am at outside centre.

Francois Venter and Yaw Penxe were named as the two backline players’ replacements.

Sharks need three points from two games

After two vital overseas wins in successive weekends, the Sharks are fourth on the log, seven ahead of Cardiff who face the rampant Bulls at Loftus on Saturday.

The Durban side need just three log points from the final two weekends to ensure a home quarter and semi-final (should they make the last four), but in this penultimate round will be looking for a full house of log points to nail down a top four place – or higher should other results go their way.

Sharks starting XV: Aphelele Fassi, Ethan Hooker, Jurenzo Julius, André Esterhuizen, Makazole Mapimpi, Siya Masuku, Jaden Hendrikse, Siya Kolisi, Vincent Tshituka, James Venter, Jason Jenkins, Eben Etzebeth (C), Vincent Koch, Bongi Mbonambi, Dian Bleuler.

Replacements: Fez Mbatha, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Hanro Jacobs, Emmanuel Tshituka, Phepsi Buthelezi, Bradley Davids, Francois Venter, Yaw Penxe.

Players not available for selection due to injury or illness: Corne Rahl, Dylan Richardson, Emile van Heerden, Gerbrandt Grobler, Grant Williams, Henry Immelman, Jordan Hendrikse, Lukhanyo Am, Marnus Potgieter, Ox Nche, Ruan Dreyer, Trevor Nyakane