Vincent Tshituka Leads The Sharks As Key Boks Sit Out Lions Derby

United Rugby Championship rugby returns with a proper local showdown as the Hollywoodbets Sharks head to Johannesburg to face the Lions, and this one arrives with a fresh twist. Vincent Tshituka, playing against his former team, will captain the Durban side in a weekend that marks a new chapter for the franchise.

New Coach, New Momentum

It is the Sharks’ first outing since JP Pietersen shed the interim label and officially became the permanent head coach. His appointment signalled continuity after a strong turnaround period before the URC break, and the team now enters the business end of the competition with confidence and clarity.

But Pietersen will have to navigate this one without most of his Springboks. With player welfare protocols kicking in, several national stars have been sidelined for rest. It is a move that reflects rugby’s growing commitment to long-term athlete health, even if it leaves franchises juggling depth at crucial times.

Tshituka Takes The Armband

Despite the absences, the Sharks are far from underpowered. In fact, their match-day 23 carries plenty of experience, particularly among the forwards and the bench. Tshituka will captain a side that blends youth with hardened professionals, giving Pietersen a balanced squad for the derby.

The replacements include three Springboks who bring serious muscle and composure: Vincent Koch, Phepsi Buthelezi and Jordan Hendrikse. Their presence should give the Sharks confidence in how the final quarter of the match could swing.

URC Stakes For The Sharks

The Sharks enter the clash in ninth place on the URC log, still hunting a top-eight finish and pushing for the South African Shield. A win in Johannesburg, or even a four or five point haul, would lift them above the eighth-placed Ospreys and put them firmly in the playoff conversation.

For a team that looked off the pace earlier in the season, the chance to jump into the eight with a derby victory is the kind of storyline that can reshape a campaign.

Full Sharks Line-Up To Face Lions

Starting XV:
15 Aphelele Fassi
14 Edwill van der Merwe
13 Francois Venter
12 Jurenzo Julius
11 Jaco Williams
10 Siya Masuku
9 Jaden Hendrikse
8 Thomas Dyer
7 Vincent Tshituka (C)
6 Tino Mavesere
5 Jason Jenkins
4 Corne Rahl
3 Hanro Jacobs
2 Fez Mbatha
1 Phatu Ganyane

Replacements:
16 Eduan Swart
17 Cameron Dawson
18 Vincent Koch
19 Emile van Heerden
20 Phepsi Buthelezi
21 Ross Braude
22 Jordan Hendrikse
23 Yaw Penxe

A Derby With Added Edge

A Johannesburg vs Durban derby always comes with spice, but Tshituka captaining the Sharks against the team where he made his name adds an extra layer. With playoff stakes, a new full-time coach, rested Springboks and a hungry Lions outfit in front of their home crowd, this one has all the ingredients for a classic South African URC contest.

{Source:SABC Sport}

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