Rookie fullback Luan Giliomee enjoyed a stunning United Rugby Championship debut in the Sharks' big win over Munster.
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Sharks coach JP Pietersen has kept faith in young fullback Luan Giliomee by retaining him for Friday night’s United Rugby Championship match against Cardiff in Durban.
Giliomee had an outstanding debut in the black jersey during their 45-0 win over Munster last weekend, getting on the scoresheet and putting in an assured performance at the back. Such was his impact that Pietersen decided to leave Springboks wing Edwill van der Merwe out of the matchday squad, opting for the same back-three combination of Giliomee and wings Yaw Penxe and Makazole Mapimpi.
Pietersen explained that the decision to continue with the youngster in the number 15 jersey was influenced by the short turnaround, as the team had one less day to prepare for the Welsh outfit. There was no confirmation as to whether Van der Merwe is carrying an injury after failing to make the bench.
“Gili [Giliomee] is still young and we wanted to keep that combination going because of the short week,” Pietersen told a media briefing on Thursday. “We basically had just one training day and it was about keeping the combination the same.”
While the back three remains settled, the Sharks have been forced to tweak other positions due to injury. However, they welcome back Springbok centre Ethan Hooker, who returns to the starting line-up following family responsibility leave. Hooker will partner captain André Esterhuizen in a midfield combination that proved potent prior to the passing of Hooker’s father.
“Ethan has been back with us since Tuesday and it’s good to have him back. He is obviously going through a difficult time, losing a father who has been the cornerstone of his life and career,” Pietersen said. “He is in good spirits and the beautiful thing about the team is that we all support him. We are excited for him to be back... hopefully, Ethan can just slot in and do what he does best.”
In an enforced chang at half-back, the Sharks will be without Springbok scrumhalf Grant Williams due to injury, with Bradley Davids set to wear the No 9 jersey.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi also remains absent with a calf injury following his late withdrawal before the Munster clash. He is expected to miss next week’s EPCR Challenge Cup match against Connacht as well.
Sharks team to face Cardiff:
15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Ethan Hooker, 12 André Esterhuizen (c), 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Bradley Davids, 8 Nick Hatton, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Phatu Ganyane.
Replacements: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Ox Nché, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Corné Rahl, 20 Jannes Potgieter, 21 Jaden Hendrikse/Ross Braude, 22 Jean Smith, 23 Le Roux Malan.