Sharks welcome back Springbok firepower for URC clash against Cardiff
The Sharks have welcomed back three Springboks to their starting XV for Friday night's URC clash against Cardiff in Wales, with Andre Esterhuizen returning as captain.
Springbok scrumhalf Embrose Papier undergoes for ankle surgery
Ackermann confirmed the news at Thursday’s team announcement ahead of Saturday's United Rugby Championship clash against Ulster at Loftus Versfeld.
Papier, the reigning SA URC Player of the Year, was hurt after coming off the bench in the Bulls' emphatic 56-20 Champions Cup win over Stade Francais in Pretoria last Saturday. He is set for at least three weeks on the sidelines.
The 29-year-old's absence leaves Paul de Wet and Zak Burger as the scrumhalf options in the match 23. De Wet keeps the No. 9 jersey and again partners flyhalf Handre Pollard.
Ackermann has made wholesale changes to the forward pack for Saturday, but has kept his starting backline unchanged.
Lions look to put emotional week behind them as they gear up for Edinburgh
Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen has named his matchday 23 to face United Rugby Championship leaders Edinburgh on Friday.
Bulls flex their muscles with eight changes to pack for URC clash against Ulster
The Bulls have made eight changes to their starting pack but remain a formidable proposition for Saturday's URC clash against Ulster at Loftus Versfeld.
Cheslin Kolbe's story is a message of hope for South Africa's youth
Springbok flyer Cheslin Kolbe grew up hearing gunshots while playing rugby outside, but didn't let it distract him from his goals.