Francois Venter gives Sharks backline some bite against Western Province

The mandatory eight-week rest period for South Africa’s United Rugby Championship players is drawing to a close, and Sharks XV coach JP Pietersen has selected former Springbok centre Francois Venter for tomorrow’s Currie Cup visit to Western Province (3pm start).

The Sharks hit the road for the last time in the pool stages of the competition, and it is approaching a do-or-die situation for both sides in terms of the looming play-offs.

Like the Sharks, Province are missing their regular Stormers URC players, and their young side haven’t quite hit their stride in the way the Durban team have of late.

The Sharks are unbeaten over the last four weeks, and they will have the option to pick URC players towards the end of the Currie Cup.

With two wins from their seven fixtures, Province are fighting for a top-four finish, and will have to rely on improved form and a few upsets as they chase their way from sixth spot, seven points behind the Sharks, who have climbed into fourth place on the log.

The Sharks are on a strong upward trajectory thanks to three wins and a draw from their last four matches.

Spotted, some new faces at The Tank 🦈 pic.twitter.com/i3JTLT5Lsa

— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) August 22, 2024

Pietersen has made four changes to his backline for the trip to Cape Town, starting with scrumhalf Bradley Davids in for Jaden Hendrikse, who has been recalled to the Springboks after getting back to match fitness in the Currie Cup.

“Jaden is ready to play for the Boks,” Pietersen said. “He was very good for us and is fully over his injury. We wish him well.”

A new and imposing centre pairing of Venter and Jurenzo Julius replaces last week’s midfield duo of Alwayno Visagie and Lili Bester respectively, while Tiaan Swanepoel comes in for Hakeem Kunene at fullback.

Gym chit chat with the #CarlingCurrieCup squad🙌 pic.twitter.com/3MMm4yS9Xx

— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) August 22, 2024

There is just one change to the pack, where Siya Ningiza takes over from the impressive Jannes Potgieter, who has enjoyed a strong debut season at flank.

Sharks Team

15 Tiaan Swanepoel 14 Eduan Keyter 13 Jurenzo Julius 12 Francois Venter 11 Yaw Penxe 10 Lionel Cronjé 9 Bradley Davids 8 Nick Hatton (captain) 7 Siya Ningiza 6 Tino Mavesere 5 Reniel Hugo 4 Bathobele Hlekani 3 Kabous Bezuidenhout 2 Dan Jooste 1 Dian Bleuler.

Bench: 16 Bryce Calvert 17 Braam Reyneke 18 Mawande Mdanda 19 Coetzee le Roux 20 Hennie Sieberhagen 21 Tiaan Fourie 22 Christie Grobbelaar 23 Anthony Volmink.