Back in Black: Eben Etzebeth named in Sharks side for Challenge Cup knockout

The big news for the Durban franchise is that they finally welcome back double World Cup winner Eben Etzebeth into the fray after serving out his 12-match suspension.

The Springbok slots straight in with his familiar No.4 jersey, alongside the rangy Deon Slabbert. They will pack down behind Boks Ox Nche and Vincent Koch, while Eduan Swart is at hooker.

Completing the forwards, captain and eighthman Nick Hatton is flanked by the relentless Tino Mavesere and Jannes Potgieter.

In the backs, South African-Canadian Ross Bradue gets a rare start at scrumhalf, where he will feed former Junior Springbok star Chris Smith at No.10. The lesser-seen combination of Marnus Potgieter and Le Roux Malan occupy the centres, while Springboks Edwill van der Merwe and Makazole Mapimpi patrol the wings either side of fullback Hakeen Kunene.

There is some power on the bench for the Sharks as well, with Bok flyer Ethan Hooker and the rampaging Vincent Tshituka looking to make an impact later in the match.  

The match at Dexcom Stadium in Galway kicks off at 21:00 South African time.

Sharks - 15 Hakeem Kunene, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Le Roux Malan, 12 Marnus Potgieter, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jean Smith, 9 Ross Braude, 8 Nick Hatton (c), 7 Jannes Potgieter, 6 Tino Mavesere, 5 Deon Slabbert, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Eduan Swart, 1 Ox Nche.

Replacements: 16 Ethan Bester, 17 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 18 Mawande Mdanda, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Vincent Tshituka, 21 Ceano Everson, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Ethan Hooker.