Sharks coach John Plumtree faces a double challenge as he prepares his team for their United Rugby Championship match against Cardiff. He must juggle a lengthy injury list, including the absence of key second-rowers, and Springbok protocols that require Siya Kolisi to rest. This leads to changes in the starting lineup, with Vincent Tshituka named as the new captain and Jordan Hendrikse returning from injury at fullback. The team is also dealing with the aftermath of a recent Champions Cup loss to Bordeaux and the suspension of fullback Hakeem Kunene for a dangerous tackle.
Sharks coach John Plumtree faces another week of challenges as he prepares his team for Saturday's United Rugby Championship match against Cardiff (7:15pm kick-off) following a tough loss in the Champions Cup against Bordeaux. Plumtree has named Vincent Tshituka as the new captain, replacing Springbok captain Siya Kolisi who is entering a period of rest as per Springbok protocols.
This comes amidst a difficult time for Plumtree, who must navigate a lengthy injury list while balancing the demands of Springbok commitments and the pursuit of victories across various tournaments.The defeat in Bordeaux, while disappointing, offers a silver lining as it allows the Sharks to focus their attention on the URC and their title defense in the Challenge Cup. Kolisi's absence at No 8 sees the return of Currie Cup captain Nick Hatton, while Tshituka takes on the unfamiliar role of No 4 lock. The Sharks' injury woes continue as they lost Corné Rahl to concussion, leaving Plumtree without recognized locks to call upon. Players like Eben Etzebeth and Gerbrandt Grobler are among a long list of sidelined second-rowers.Adding to the positive news, Bok flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse returns from a shorter injury spell. He has been slotted in at fullback for the injured Aphelele Fassi and Hakeem Kunene. Hendrikse missed the Bordeaux match due to injury, and his inclusion at No 15 allows Siya Masuku to continue at flyhalf after being overlooked for an extended period. Meanwhile, the EPCR organizers announced a three-week suspension for Sharks fullback Hakeem Kunene for a dangerous tackle on Bordeaux wing Arthur Retiere. Kunene accepted that he committed foul play but disputed the red card. The Disciplinary Committee upheld the citing, deeming the tackle worthy of a red card and landing a six-week entry point. Taking into account his acceptance of guilt, good disciplinary record, and full cooperation, the suspension was reduced by 50% to three weeks. Kunene will be eligible to return on March 10th, but could return earlier if he successfully completes a World Rugby Coaching Intervention
SHARKS JOHN PLUMTREE SIYA KOLISI INJURIES SPRINGBOK PROTOCOLS UNITED RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP CARDIFF HAKKEEM KUNENE SUSPENSION CHAMPIONSHIP CUP
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