World Cup winners return for Sharks’ URC quarterfinal against Munster

Two double World Cup winners as well as a rising flyhalf star are back in the Sharks team for their United Rugby Championship quarterfinal against former champions, Munster, in Durban on Saturday evening.

Siya Kolisi returns at No 8 after a mandatory rest period, while centre Lukhanyo Am is back in midfield to partner Andre Esterhuizen, following an injury layoff. Also, rising No 10 Jordan Hendrikse returns at flyhalf to partner his brother Jaden, who’ll start at scrumhalf.

Kolisi and Am won the World Cup in 2019 and 2023. Munster were URC champions in the 2022/23 season

There are other changes to the side that ran out in the final round robin match against Scarlets two weeks ago; at lock and at flank, where Jason Jenkins and James Venter returning to the starting team.

The Sharks finished third on the URC points table while Munster finished sixth.

Sharks captain Eben Etzebeth said this week that his team were in a good place going into the knockout clash.

“We’ve seen in the past that play-offs can be tight affairs, and winning tight games is something we’ve done a bit of this year,” he said.

“Last year when we ended up lower on the log, we lost those tight games, but this year we’ve turned things around and won them.

“We’re used to those kinds of games, hopefully we don’t make it that tight on Saturday.”

Saturday’s quarterfinal clash at Kings Park kicks off at 6.30pm.

Sharks: Aphelele Fassi, Ethan Hooker, Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Makazole Mapimpi, Jordan Hendrikse, Jaden Hendrikse, Siya Kolisi, Vincent Tshituka, James Venter, Jason Jenkins, Eben Etzebeth (capt), Vincent Koch, Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche. Bench: Fez Mbatha, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Hanro Jacobs, Emile van Heerden, Phepsi Buthelezi, Bradley Davids, Francois Venter, Yaw Penxe

Players note considered for selection due to injury: Grant Williams, Siya Masuku, Trevor Nyakane