Sharks coach Sean Everitt has confirmed that four key players, including Springbok wing Sbu Nkosi, have returned to fitness and will be available for selection against the Vodacom Bulls this weekend.

The Sharks slumped to a 49-28 defeat by the Bulls in their SuperFan Saturday clash at Loftus on 26 September, but when they return to Pretoria for this weekend’s Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked encounter, Everitt’s team will be significantly boosted by having key players back from injury.

Nkosi, hooker Kerron van Vuuren, wings Madosh Tambwe and flank James Venter have all been declared fit and available ahead of their trip to the Bulls, while wing Yaw Penxe, who joined the Sharks from the Kings two weeks ago, is also in contention for selection.

The Sharks scraped past the Lions 19-16 in their opening encounter a fortnight ago and had a bye in round two, but prop Thomas du Toit is adamant that they have to improve at the set pieces to challenge the Bulls this weekend.

‘Set piece is also a work-on for us,’ Du Toit said. ‘Every team is different, so you have to prepare in different ways; tactics change week in and week out. But there are certain things that stay the same.

‘We need to focus on our scrums, lineouts and mauls, because it’s a strength of theirs [the Bulls]. We accept that challenge. I think everyone knows the destructive power of Ox Nche, he’s a strong bloke and I’m excited to see him scrum. We’re still gelling, but we’re getting there.

‘The thing about rugby is that you get a second chance. So that’s what we are having this week: correcting the mistakes we made two weeks ago against the Lions. We’re very excited to play again, it’s a massive opportunity and a massive challenge, but we take that on board and are excited for it.’

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