Ox Nche boost for Sharks ahead of URC SA Shield decider with Lions

Springbok Ox Nche makes a welcome return to the Sharks side that will host the Lions at Hollywoodbets Kings Park in Saturday’s return leg United Rugby Championship match.

The popular prop is joined in the front row by fellow Boks Vincent Koch and Bongi Mbonambi as John Plumtree welcomes several players for this SA Shield-defining game.

Promising lock Emile van Heerden is also back after injury while Bok captain Siya Kolisi returns to the starting lineup at No 8. He will captain the side.

Lappies Labuschagne, also back from injury, is in for the injured Vincent Tshituka, is the final change to the forward pack.

Henry Immelman (on loan to the Sharks from the Bulls) makes his debut at fullback, having represented Montpellier, Edinburgh and, more recently, the Bulls.

Grant Williams and Jordan Hendrikse will partner at halfback, with Francois Venter replacing the injured Lukhanyo Am in the final change to the starting XV.

There’s also good news on the fitness of hooker Fez Mbatha and loose forward James Venter, both of whom have been named on the bench after lengthy recovery periods.

If the Sharks beat the Lions they will clinch the SA Shield. For the first time in URC history.

Sharks team

15 Henry Immelman 14 Yaw Penxe 13 Jurenzo Julius 12 Francois Venter 11 Ethan Hooker 10 Jordan Hendrikse 9 Grant Williams 8 Siya Kolisi (captain)  7 Lappies Labuschagne 6 Phepsi Buthelezi 5 Emile van Heerden 4 Jason 3 Vincent Koch 2 Bongi Mbonambi 1 Ox Nche.

Bench: 16 Fez Mbatha 17 Nthuthuko Mchunu 18 Hanro Jacobs 19 Corne Rahl 20 James Venter 21 Nick Hatton 22 Jaden Hendrikse 23 Hakeen Kunene.