Sharks to circle for kill against Sunwolves with debutant in tow

The Sharks’ new and exciting backline prospect Aphelele Fassi will be making his Super Rugby debut when he starts at fullback against the Sunwolves on Saturday.

Fassi‚ who made an impact for the Sharks in their successful Currie Cup campaign last year‚ was always going to get game time this season due to the compressed nature of the tournament in a World Cup year.

However‚ Curwin Bosch’s shoulder knock sustained over the weekend meant that the 21year-old has jumped the queue, even though the former was slated to start at 10 before his injury.

He’s good enough to play at Super Rugby level and his presence only helps to increase the Sharks’ already burgeoning back three stocks.

Fassi is the only player in the Sharks backline who has not been capped by the Springboks, with the likes of Lukhanyo Am‚ Makazole Mapimpi‚ S’bu Nkosi and Andre Esterhuizen all back in the reckoning.

Louis Schreuder will be captaining the side from scrumhalf.

Bosch’s absence means that Robert du Preez will start at flyhalf while the forwards have a familiar look to them.

They’re packing an all Springbok frontrow, with Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira‚ Akker van der Merwe and Coenie Oosthuizen all starting, while Hyron Andrews and Ruan Botha start at lock.

It’s on the bench where there’s a proper injection of youth, with Kerron van Vuuren (hooker)‚ Khuthazani Mchunu (prop) and Phendulani Buthelezi (loose-forward) all set to make their Super Rugby bows from the bench. —

His presence helps to increase the Sharks’ burgeoning back three stocks