Fassi, Nche return to fire up Sharks for home URC showdown against Lions

Sharks head coach JP Pietersen’s quest for a third win on the bounce has been boosted by the welcome return to the starting line-up of Springbok stalwarts Ox Nche and Aphelele Fassi for Saturday afternoon’s United Rugby Championship clash against the Lions at Kings Park, after their recovery from injury.

Prop Nche got injured in the Springboks' win over Japan at Wembley early in the last international window, while Fassi had been a more long-term absentee, having been injured against the All Blacks.

The backline star made a try-scoring return to the Sharks in the Champions Cup victory over Saracens, but suffered a knock that sidelined him until this weekend's clash. He will add plenty of spark and attacking impetus to the Sharks backline boasting the considerable attacking talents of wings Edwill van der Merwe and Makazole Mapimpi.   

Powerhouse Andre Esaterhuizen will continue to lead the team from the No 12 jersey, continuing his burgeoning midfield partnership with fellow Bok Ethan Hooker at outside centre.

Jason Jenkins and Emile van Heerden will also get another chance to develop further as a lock pairing.  

In all, Pietersen has made just the three changes to the starting XV, with Nche taking the place of Phatu Ganyane at loosehead prop, Manu Tshituka replacing Buthelezi at No 8, and Fassi starting at fullback for Hakeem Kunene, scorer of the opening try against the Bulls.

Saturday’s match kicks off at 3.30pm.

The Sharks team to face the Lions: 15.  Aphelele Fassi, 14.  Edwill van der Merwe, 13.   Ethan Hooker, 12.    Andre Esterhuizen (captain), 11.  Makazole Mapimpi, 10. Jordan Hendrikse,  9. Grant Williams, 8. Manu Tshituka, 7. Vincent Tshituka, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5. Emile van Heerden, 4. Jason Jenkins, 3. Hanro Jacobs, 2. Bongi Mbonambi, 1.  Ox Nche
Replacements: 16.  Eduan Swart, 17.  Phatu Ganyane, 18. Mawande Mdanda, 19. Corne Rahl, 20. Phepsi Buthelezi, 21. Nick Hatton, 22. Jaden Hendrikse, 23. Siya Masuku