Two-time world champion Eben Etzebeth and fullback Aphelele Fassi are among the returning Springboks named in a 28-man Sharks squad for a two-match European tour.
John Plumtree has named a formidable group for the trip to Scotland and Northern Ireland. The Durbanites, currently fourth in the Vodacom URC, face Edinburgh in round 15 of the competition at Hive Stadium on Friday, before tackling Ulster in Belfast next week.
The head coach has welcomed back Etzebeth, Fassi, Grant Williams and Lukhanyo Am, as part of a 16-12 split between forwards and backs.
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Enforcer Etzebeth has not played since the Sharks’ Investec Champions Cup match against Exeter in Durban on 7 December, first due to recurring concussion symptoms and then because of a hamstring strain suffered at the Bok alignment camp.
Fassi injured an ankle against the Stormers at the end of last year, centre Am was hurt in the first match of the Lions double-header last month, while scrumhalf Williams recently required rest because of a neck niggle.
FULL SHARKS SQUAD:
Forwards: Bongi Mbonambi, Eben Etzebeth, Emile van Heerden, Ethan Bester, Fez Mbatha, Hanro Jacobs, James Venter, Jason Jenkins, Emanuel Tshituka, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Ox Nche, Phepsi Buthelezi, Ruan Dreyer, Siya Kolisi, Vincent Koch, Vincent Tshituka. Backs: Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Bradley Davids, Ethan Hooker, Grant Williams, Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Jurenzo Julius, Lukhanyo Am, Makazole Mapimpi, Siya Masuku, Yaw Penxe.
Photo: @SharksRugby/Twitter
