Sharks coach Sean Everitt has revealed the reason behind the absence of Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and hooker Bongi Mbonambi from the team to face the Lions in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship on Saturday.

The Sharks travel to Johannesburg to face the Lions as South African teams resume the URC campaign this weekend.

While Everitt named a strong lineup captained by Lukhanyo Am and featuring Springboks Makazole Mapimpi, Sbu Nkosi, Aphelele Fassi, Thomas du Toit and Ox Nche, two notable absentees were Kolisi and Mbonambi.

Sharks rest Siya, Bongi for Lions clash

Speaking in a press conference, Everitt told Rugby365.com that the two experienced players are being carefully managed after a heavy workload in 2021.

“They had an extended break in December,” Everitt explained. “They are still in their pre-season phase.

“We feel they will be better off with another week of training under the belt.”

Kolisi and Mbonambi are likely to return for the Sharks when they host the Stormers next weekend.

The Sharks will also soon be boosted by the availability of Bok loose forward Sikhumbuzo Notshe, who completed his rehabilitation from a long-term knee injury on Thursday.

Notshe has not played since suffering the injury in a Rainbow Cup match against the Vodacom Bulls last year and had to go under the knife.

Everitt also revealed why flank Dylan Richardson was left out of Scotland’s squad for the Six Nations. Richardson returned from international duty last November with a lower stress fracture. The 23-year-old is likely to be called into Scotland’s squad when he recovers.

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