Prop foward Pahtu Ganyane has been rewarded for some strong recent scruammaging performances for the Sharks with a start against Muster in Saturday's home URC match.
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The Sharks will run out at Kings Park on Saturday with more than just United Rugby Championship points on the line, as lingering tension from their last meeting with Munster adds extra bite to an already crucial clash.
That encounter in Durban ended in extraordinary fashion, with the Sharks edging the result via a penalty shoot-out after a fiercely contested draw – a match remembered as much for its drama as for Jaden Hendrikse’s now-infamous wink during the kicks.
Sharks head coach JP Pietersen acknowledged the subplot, hinting that Munster may arrive with added motivation. “It was an incredibly tight game. The one thing that stands out is that it was a back-and-forth contest. At times we felt we were comfortably ahead, and then they showed how deep their culture is. They always fight back and that came through in their performance. They never give up,” Pietersen said at a media briefing after announcing his team for Saturday.
“I think it’s going to be very similar this weekend. It’s going to be a really good contest from both teams. They’re a good side with a new coach, so they have a point to prove – and probably some extra motivation from Jaden’s little wink at the end.”
For the Sharks, however, the focus remains firmly on results as they look to revive their playoff ambitions. Sitting in 11th place, Pietersen’s men are entering what is effectively a knockout phase of the campaign.
“We’re focusing on Munster and only Munster,” he said. “We’ve had two away games, now we’re back at home and we want to put in a good performance for the fans.”
Injuries have complicated preparations, particularly in the backline. The loss of Aphelele Fassi to a shoulder injury – expected to sideline him for up to three months – has forced a reshuffle, while other niggles have tested squad depth.
Jaden Hendrikse will not get to reprise his role as pantomime villain due to concussion. The backline disruptions have, however, handed versatile youngster Luan Giliomee his opportunity at fullback.
“Gili is a talented player. He can play nine, 10 and full-back. He’s got vision and understands the game well,” Pietersen said. "He's good under the high ball and he's got a good kicking game. Hopefully everything goes well for him on Saturday."
Up front, the coach has backed a mix of form and experience. A rotated front row rewards strong recent scrummaging displays from Phatu Ganyane, Fez Mbata and Hanro Jacobs, while Springbok props Vincent Koch and Ox Nche are set to provide impact off the bench, alongside Eddie Swart.
“It gives us experience to close the game off,” Pietersen explained. “The guys starting have earned their chance.”
The forward battle could prove decisive against a Munster side renowned for their physical edge and refusal to fade – qualities that defined their comeback in that previous meeting. With home support behind them and the margin for error shrinking, the Sharks know that anything less than a full 80-minute effort could prove costly.
“This is a big game for us,” Pietersen said. “We want to give everything and make sure our supporters leave happy.”
Kick-off tomorrow at Kings Park is at 5pm.