Sharks coach JP Pietersen says his returning Springboks jumped at the chance to feature against defending champions Leinster at Kings Park on Saturday. MORNÉ ESBEN reports.
Pietersen has named six Boks in his match 23 for the URC clash, with Edwill van der Merwe, André Esterhuizen and Thomas du Toit starting, while Ox Nché, Eben Etzebeth and Ethan Hooker provide firepower off the bench.
“I think it was quite easy to pick them,” Pietersen told the media on Thursday. “When we asked the players if they’re available and keen to play, they immediately put their hands up and they were excited to be back.
“With three of them starting and three of them on the bench, it was all about workload. Eben, Ox and Ethan played most of the minutes in the last four Tests, but it’s great to have them back.”
Pietersen was, however, tight-lipped over the continued absence of double World Cup-winning hooker Bongi Mbonambi.
“Bongi is not available for selection and there’s no comments we can give further than that,” Pietersen said.
The Sharks boss believes the return of his international contingent gives the Sharks a timely boost heading into a tough assignment.
“It’s great for the group that we have experience back,” he said. “We’ve got players who are match-ready and can perform, and over the past two months, they’ve shown that.”
TEAM: Leinster change five for Sharks
Leinster arrive in Durban having claimed a 31-5 victory against the Sharks in Dublin last season and a 10-7 win at Kings Park the previous campaign – the latter despite fielding an understrength side.
Pietersen expects nothing different this weekend, regardless of personnel.
“We’ve prepped for their most experienced team, so we’re not surprised by the team they put out,” he said. “They are the champions and we know that whatever team they put out, will be a very good team.
“They’ve got such a good structure that they’ve built over the last couple of years with a very experienced coach. They’ve shown that however they put in the team, will deliver on the plan. They’re the best club and we want to measure ourselves against the best.”
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
