The significant change to the Sharks team to play the Ospreys in a United Rugby Championship match in Durban on Friday night (7pm kick-off) is at flyhalf, where Siya Masuku replaces Jordan Hendrikse.
The Sharks’ media release has the younger Hendrikse brother listed as injured, but the return of Masuku should have happened anyway, because Hendrikse has been misfiring for some time.
This time last year, Masuku could do no wrong as he guided the Sharks to a Currie Cup title win, and then was Player of the Match in the Challenge Cup final defeat of Gloucester.
But Masuku has been on the sidelines this season, and many have been wondering why.
He has a big chance to state his case in this penultimate URC league match for the Sharks.
And if he can ignite the Sharks’ backline where Hendrikse has failed, he will be the man in possession for next week’s finale against the Scarlets, and then the playoffs thereafter.
In other changes announced by coach John Plumtree on Thursday, sickness has again robbed the Sharks of a current Springbok, as loosehead prop Ox Nche is ill, and he has been replaced by Dian Bleuler.
In the Sharks’ previous match, the away defeat of Ulster, it was Eben Etzebeth who cried off with the flu.
The big Bok lock is back this week to captain the side, and partners Jason Jenkins in the second row.
At outside centre, Springbok Lukhanyo Am has suffered a knee injury, and is replaced by Junior Springbok Jurenzo Julius.
Without taking anything away from the nuances that Am supplies, it is not a bad thing that the Sharks’ backline will have the youthful thrust of Julius against the Ospreys.
The Sharks’ attack needs a spark, which could come from the twin introduction of Masuku and Julius.
Sharks team
15 Aphelele Fassi 14 Ethan Hooker 13 Jurenzo Julius 12 Andre Esterhuizen 11 Makazole Mapimpi 10 Siya Masuku 9 Jaden Hendrikse 8 Siya Kolisi 7 Vincent Tshituka 6 James Venter 5 Jason Jenkins, 4 Eben Etzebeth (captain) 3 Vincent Koch 2 Bongi Mbonambi 1 Dian Bleuler.
Bench: 16 Fez Mbatha 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu 18 Hanro Jacobs 19 Emmanuel Tshituka 20 Phepsi Buthelezi 21 Bradley Davids 22 Francois Venter 23 Yaw Penxe.
