Ma'a Nonu named for Sharks-All Blacks clash
All Blacks legend Ma’a Nonu is named on the Sharks bench for their historic Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry clash against New Zealand
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The Sharks have named All Blacks great Ma’a Nonu among the replacements for their historic clash against New Zealand at Hollywoodbets Kings Park in Durban on Tuesday.
Head coach JP Pietersen has selected a side combining emerging talent with experienced players for the second match of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour.
Ma’a Nonu Named in Sharks Squad
Nonu joined the Sharks this week and will start the match on the bench, adding considerable international experience to the Durban side.
The legendary former All Blacks centre brings Test-level pedigree to a squad missing several established players because of international commitments and the ongoing Currie Cup campaign.
Nick Hatton will captain the Sharks from No.8, with Manu Tshituka and Phepsi Buthelezi completing the loose-forward combination.
Sharks Blend Youth and Experience
Pietersen has continued his commitment to developing young players, selecting promising talents Vusi Moyo and Zekhethelo Siyaya in the starting XV.
Moyo starts at fly-half alongside Bradley Davids, while Siyaya wears the No.15 jersey. Jurenzo Julius and Murray Koster form the midfield partnership, with Donovan Don and Litelihle Bester on the wings.
The pack contains significant experience, including Vincent Koch at tighthead prop. Former Racing 92 prop Nemo Roelofse starts at loosehead, while Hendre Stassen is named in the second row.
Sharks Prepare for Historic All Blacks Clash
The fixture gives several younger Sharks players an opportunity to test themselves against one of international rugby’s most famous teams.
The All Blacks are visiting South Africa for an eight-match tour featuring matches against the country’s four United Rugby Championship franchises alongside a four-Test series against the Springboks.
Nonu is joined on the Sharks bench by Liam van Wyk, Rambo Kubekha, Simphiwe Ngobese, Vincent Tshituka, Matt Romao, Ivan van Zyl and Luan Giliomee.
Sharks XV: 15 Zekhethelo Siyaya, 14 Donovan Don, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Murray Koster, 11 Litelihle Bester, 10 Vusi Moyo, 9 Bradley Davids, 8 Nick Hatton (captain), 7 Manu Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Hendre Stassen, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Eduan Swart, 1 Nemo Roelofse
Reserves: 16 Liam van Wyk, 17 Rambo Kubekha, 18 Simphiwe Ngobese, 19 Vincent Tshituka, 20 Matt Romao, 21 Ivan van Zyl, 22 Luan Giliomee, 23 Ma’a Nonu.
