Venter to debut for Bok-less Sharks

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Springbok centre Francois Venter will make his run-on debut for the Sharks when they visit the Vodacom Bulls for a Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday.

Venter, who replaces Marnus Potgieter at 13, is one of three changes in the backline as Cameron Wright takes over from Bok scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse and left wing Thaakir Abrahams is in for Makazole Mapimpi. Potgieter takes a spot on the bench.

The Sharks are missing several of their Boks this week, with lock Gerbrandt Grobler replacing Eben Etzebeth, openside flank Dylan Richardson coming in for Siya Kolisi, and hooker Kerron van Vuuren and loosehead prop Ntuthuko Mchunu packing down in the absence of Bongi Mbonambi and Ox Nche, respectively.

The match-day 23 squad has reverted to one that toured Ireland, Wales and Italy, and before last week’s scheduled match in Durban with Ulster had to be called-off following an outbreak of gastro in the touring camp.

Sharks – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Francois Venter, 12 Ben Tapuai, 11 Thaakir Abrahams, 10 Boeta Chamberlain, 9 Cameron Wright, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Dylan Richardson, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Gerbrandt Grobler, 3 Thomas du Toit (c), 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Subs: 16 Dan Jooste, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Carlu Sadie, 19 Justin Basson, 20 James Venter, 21 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Marnus Potgieter.

ALSO: Mchunu backs Bok-less Sharks

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images

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Devin Hermanus