Sharks gear up for historic Osprey's clash

November 02, 2023
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Ultimate Rugby

Friday evening’s clash between the Ospreys and The Sharks takes on historic significance as the first ever Vodacom United Rugby Championship fixture to take place in England, when the two teams meet at the Twickenham Stoop.

Sharks head coach John Plumtree has made four changes to last week’s side, handing Dylan Richardson his first start of the season, swapping the hooker jersey with Kerron van Vuuren, who he come on to replace against Leinster.

Coenie Oosthuizen returns to the side after starting in week one, taking over from Hanro Jacobs at tighthead prop, while Sikhumbuzo Notshe comes in at eighthman, with Phepsi Buthelezi shifting to the flank in place of Vincent Tshituka.

There is just one change in the backline where Aphiwe Dyantyi gets his first start in place of Marnus Potgieter on the wing.

Plumtree has made no secret of the fact that he wants his charges to play an attacking brand of rugby and after the first two rounds, he will be looking for further evolution of the team’s playing style that wows the fans and delivers plenty of tries, and with that, a winning style of rugby.

The team’s ambitions are lofty, but in no way pie in the sky. Friday night’s clash offers the perfect opportunity to showcase that.

The match kicks off at 9.35pm (SA Time).

The Sharks: