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Siya Kolisi set for second debut as Sharks roll out Bok big guns for URC champs
By Josh Raisey
South Africa captain Siya Kolisi is set to make his Sharks return on Saturday against United Rugby Championship winners Glasgow Warriors, after being named to start at Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium.
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The 33-year-old rejoined the Durban outfit in September after a year in the Top 14 with Racing 92, and is one of an array of Springboks that will make their first appearance of the season following a victorious Rugby Championship campaign.
In a turn of events, Kolisi will be led by lock Eben Etzebeth, who became South Africa’s most-capped player of all time during the Championship. Their Springbok team-mates, Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi and Vincent Koch, all return as well to provide an all-Springbok and all-World Cup-winning front-row.
The back line is not exactly lacking in South Africa internationals either, with wing Eduan Keyter being the only player that has not pulled on the green jersey. The international influence does not end with the starting XV though, with Trevor Nyakane and Grant Williams providing support from the bench.
With only one win from their opening three matches, Sharks head coach John Plumtree will relish being able to roll out some superstars of the game, particularly against a Warriors side that sit in second place in the URC table.
Hollywoodbets Sharks
1. Ox Nche
2. Bongi Mbonambi
3. Vincent Koch
4. Eben Etzebeth (c)
5. Emile van Heerden
6. Siya Kolisi
7. Emmanuel Tshituka
8. Phepsi Buthelezi
9. Jaden Hendrikse
10. Jordan Hendrikse
11. Makazole Mapimpi
12. Andre Esterhuizen
13. Lukhanyo Am
14. Eduan Keyter
15. Aphelele Fassi
Replacements
16. Fez Mbatha
17. Trevor Nyakane
18. Ruan Dreyer
19. Jason Jenkins
20. James Venter
21. Grant Williams
22. Siya Masuku
23. Jurenzo Julius
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Watch the highly acclaimed five-part documentary Chasing the Sun 2, chronicling the journey of the Springboks as they strive to successfully defend the Rugby World Cup, free on RugbyPass TV (*unavailable in Africa)
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