The Sharks will be boosted by returning Springboks for their tough clash against Leinster this weekend.

The Durban franchise welcomes back 4 big names to face the defending champions on Saturday, 3 October.

Here’s the confirmed team release as the Sharks aim for back-to-back wins in the new campaign.

Sharks welcome Springboks for Leinster clash

The Sharks dropped their team list on social media just after 16:00 today (1 October).

Coach JP Pietersen has made five changes to the team that thumped the Ospreys at Kings Park on 26 September.

Four changes have also been made to the replacements bench for the Leinster game.

Newly-named Springboks captain Andre Esterhuizen returns at centre to lead the Sharks.

Speedster Edwill van der Merwe slots in on the right wing to add spice to the backline.

Prop Ox Nche, lock Eben Etzebeth, and centre Ethan Hooker will all start from the bench.

The other major inclusion is Springbok prop Thomas du Toit, who rejoins the team from Bath in England.

How the Sharks will line up in URC Round 2

The official team release is as follows, according to the Sharks Rugby website:

  1. Thomas du Toit (in for Phatu Ganyane)
  2. Esethu Mnebelele (replaces Eduan Swart)
  3. Vincent Koch
  4. Jason Jenkins (in for Corne Rahl)
  5. Darrien Landsberg
  6. Phepsi Buthelezi
  7. Manu Tshituka
  8. Nick Hatton
  9. Jaden Hendrikse
  10. Vusi Moyo
  11. Litelihle Bester
  12. Andre Esterhuizen (captain – replaces Murray Koster)
  13. Jurenzo Julius
  14. Edwill van der Merwe (in for Suleiman Hartzenberg)
  15. Luan Giliomee.

Replacements: Ethan Bester, Ox Nche, Hanro Jacobs, Eben Etzebeth, Matt Romao, Ivan van Zyl, Zekhethelo Siyaya, Ethan Hooker.

As the Sharks welcome Springboks back to the mix, the Leinster game should be a thriller.

Fixtures for South Africa’s URC franchises

2 October

Edinburgh vs Stormers: Edinburgh Rugby Stadium (20:45)

3 October

Lions vs Ospreys: Ellis Park, Johannesburg (13:45)

Sharks vs Leinster: Kings Park, Durban (18:30)

Munster vs Bulls: Thomond Park, Limerick (20:45)

All details are correct according to the official URC website.

WHICH SPRINGBOKS ARE YOU EXCITED TO SEE IN THE URC ROUND TWO THIS WEEKEND?

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