Vincent Tshituka to captain injury-hit Sharks on URC tour

It is another United Rugby Championship season and another long injury list for the Sharks as they head to Glasgow for a tough three-match tour, which moves from Scotland to the Dragons in Wales before finishing in Ireland against Leinster.

Coach John Plumtree will feel his team is a touch hamstrung, with ten players on duty with the Springboks and 17 further players nursing injuries.

Players unavailable for selection due to injury include Albie Bester, Aphelele Fassi, Bradley Davids, Bryce Calvert, Coetzee le Roux, Corne Rahl, Diego Appollis, Emile van Heerden, Ethan Bester, Gideon Koegelenberg, Hanro Jacobs, Jaco Williams, Jason Jenkins, Jannes Potgieter, Jean Smith, Jordan Hendrikse, Litelihle Bester, Phatu Ganyane, Siya Masuku and Trevor Nyakane.

“The pre-season was a bit disjointed with injuries and players unavailable, as well as players involved in the Currie Cup campaign,” explained Plumtree on the eve of departure.

“However, over the last few weeks, it’s been good to get everyone back in and start building towards this tour. So, there are some challenges.”

Looking ahead to their three-match tour and the first-round match against the former champions, Plumtree admitted that his team has a big challenge lying ahead.

“Glasgow are obviously a tough side, a champion team two years ago, and always tough to beat at home, so it’s going to be a massive challenge for the boys. The Dragons in week two in Wales will also be demanding.

"In the early part of the season, these teams are all tough to beat when they’re fresh. Then finishing with Leinster, that’s going to be another big game — it’s Leinster, after all.

“But we’re ready to go and looking forward to spending some time together. Vincent Tshituka is our captain, Lukhanyo Am is also there, Francois Venter and Jaden Hendrikse are experienced too. Some good senior players and leaders.”

Sharks Touring Squad

Forwards: Bathobele Hlekani Cameron Dawson Cebo Dlamini Dian Bleuler Eduan Swart Emmanuel Tshituka Fez Mbatha Lee-Marvin Mazibuko Marvin Orie Mawande Mdanda Nick Hatton Phepsi Buthelezi Ruan Dreyer Simphiwe Matanzima Tino Mavesere Vincent Tshituka (c) Willem van den Hever

Backs: Ceano Everson Christie Grobbelaar Edwill van der Merwe Francois Venter Hakeem Kunene Jaden Hendrikse Jurenzo Julius Lukhanyo Am Phikolomzi Sobahle Jean Smith Ross Braude Yaw Penxe