Coach JP Pietersen has made two changes to the Sharks starting XV for Saturday’s Vodacom URC match against the Bulls at Kings Park.
Jordan Hendrikse starts at flyhalf with George Whitehead moving to the bench, while Hakeem Kunene replaces Aphelele Fassi, who left the field during last week’s Investec Champions Cup win against Saracens with concussion.
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“Winning is always important,” Pietersen said after the Saracens clash. “It gives you belief, something to build on, motivation and confidence going into the next game.
“We know the Bulls won’t be easy – they’re desperate as well – but what a challenge it’s going to be.”
The Sharks are 14th on the URC log with just one win from six matches, and will wear limited-edition red and gold kit for SharksFest.
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SHARKS – 15 Hakeem Kunene, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Ethan Hooker, 12 Andre Esterhuizen (c), 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Phatu Ganyane.
Bench: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 18 Mawande Mdanda, 19 Marvin Orie, 20 Matt Romao, 21 Nick Hatton, 22 Jaden Hendrikse, 23 George Whitehead.
Forged in Fire 🔥
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— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) December 17, 2025
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
