Sharks welcome big hitters to traveling squad for European tour

By Ayanda Nyuswa

The Hollywoodbets Sharks have welcomed back big hitters Eben Etzebeth and Aphelele Fassi ahead of their tour matches in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship. The Springbok duo has been included in the Sharks’ travelling squad to Europe, ahead of Friday night’s clash against Edinburgh in Scotland and next weekends match away at Ulster. 

Etzebeth makes his return after a four-month absence due to a concussion and a furthur hamstring injury set-back. The Springbok record appearance holder last played for the Durbanites in an Investec Champions Cup clash against Exeter Chiefs in Durban on 8 December last year, and returns in time for the final stretch of the season and not too long before the Boks begin their international season in July. 

Fassi returns to Plumtree’s squad to bolster the backline options as he is expected to slot right back into his number 15 position. The 27-year old suffered an injury against the Stormers on 28 December last year which kept him out of action for almost 5 months. Springbok World cup winners Lukhanyo Am and Grant Williams are also part of the travelling squad, making a welcomed return to the Sharks team that is fighting to maintain its place in the top 4 of the United Rugby Championship standings as the season approaches it’s business end.

Hollywoodbets Sharks travelling Squad:

Forwards: Bongi Mbonambi, Eben Etzebeth, Emile van Heerden, Ethan Bester, Fez Mbatha, Hanro Jacobs, James Venter, Jason Jenkins, Manu Tshituka, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Ox Nche, Phepsi Buthelezi, Ruan Dreyer, Siya Kolisi, Vincent Koch, Vincent Tshituka.

Backs: Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Bradley Davids, Ethan Hooker, Grant Williams, Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Jurenzo Julius, Lukhanyo Am, Makazole Mapimpi, Siya Masuku, Yaw Penxe.