A surprise playmaker could return to the Sharks lineup after being named in a 28-man touring squad for the Vodacom United Rugby Championship campaign openers against Zebre, Dragons and Leinster.
Sharks head coach Sean Everitt on Monday confirmed both the touring squad, as well as a larger 50-man squad for the season, which will be captained by Springbok tighthead prop Thomas du Toit.
Missing from the touring squad are injured flyhalves Curwin Bosch and Lionel Cronje, prompting the Sharks to give Fred Zeilinga a recall.
The 29-year-old Zeilinga started his professional career at the Sharks and played in Durban until 2015.
Stints at the Cheetahs and Japan’s Canon Eagles followed and he most recently played for the Lions in last season’s inaugural URC earlier this year.
The Sharks will also be without star signing Vincent Tshituka due to injury, while injured loose forwards Henco Venter, Mpilo Gumede, Jeandre Labuschagne and Tinotenda Mavesere and lock Le Roux Roets have also not travelled with the team.
Tighthead prop Carlu Sadie, lock Justin Basson and inside centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg could make their official debuts for the Sharks after being included in the touring squad.
Sharks touring squad:
Forwards
1. Daniel Jooste
2. Fezokuhle Mbatha
3. Kerron van Vuuren
4. Ntuthuko Mchunu
5. Dian Bleuler
6. Thomas du Toit (c)
7. Hanro Jacobs
8. Carlu Sadie
9. Daniel Hugo
10. Justin Basson
11. Hyron Andrews
12. Gerbrandt Grobler
13. Sikhumbuzo Notshe
14. Phendulani Buthelezi
15. Dylan Richardson
16. James Venter
Backs:
1. Grant Williams
2. Cameron Wright
3. Zee Mkhabela
4. Boeta Chamberlain
5. Ben Tapuai
6. Rohan Janse van Rensburg
7. Marnus Potgieter
8. Werner Kok
9. Thaakir Abrahams
10. Anthony Volmink
11. Aphelele Fassi
12. Fred Zeilinga
The following players were not considered for tour selection due to injury:
Curwin Bosch
Eduan Keyter
Henco Venter
Jeandre Labuschagne
Khutha Mchunu
Le Roux Roets
Lionel Cronje
Mpilo Gumede
Murray Koster
Tinotenda Mavesere
Vincent Tshituka
Photo: Darren Stewart/Gallo Images
