Ma’a Nonu named among Sharks replacements for All Blacks clash

The Sharks have named Ma’a Nonu on the bench for their “massive” meeting with the All Blacks at Kings Park next Tuesday, giving the new signing a role in one of the most closely watched matches on their schedule.

The former New Zealand international is one of the experienced options among the replacements, with Sharks coach JP Pietersen selecting a starting XV that includes several young players and recently capped Springbok flyhalf Vusi Moyo.

The match will begin at 19:00 at Kings Park, where the Sharks will face the All Blacks in a fixture described as a significant occasion for the club.

Zekhethelo Siyaya, another of the side’s younger players, will start at fullback. Moyo is named at flyhalf, while Vincent Koch provides additional Springbok experience in the front row.

Nonu is listed as replacement number 23. He is joined on the bench by several Junior Boks, as well as Vincent Tshituka and Luan Giliomee. The selection gives Pietersen a combination of youth and experience among his matchday replacements.

The Sharks’ starting line-up is led by captain Nick Hatton at number eight. He is joined in the back row by Emmanuel Tshituka and Phepsi Buthelezi.

Bradley Davids starts at scrum-half, with Moyo taking responsibility at flyhalf. Behind them, Litelihle Bester, Murray Koster, Jurenzo Julius and Donovan Don form the remaining backline positions, with Siyaya at fullback.

Emile van Heerden and Hendre Stassen are selected in the second row. Koch starts at tighthead prop, alongside hooker Eduan Swart and loosehead prop Nemo Roelofse.

The Sharks’ replacements are Liam van Wyk, Rambo Kubekha, Simphiwe Ngobese, Vincent Tshituka, Matt Romao, Ivan van Zyl, Luan Giliomee and Nonu.

The selection of Nonu on the bench means the new signing is in line to feature during Tuesday’s encounter, while the starting team contains a strong representation of emerging Sharks talent.

Sharks team to face the All Blacks

15 Zekhethelo Siyaya 14 Donovan Don 13 Jurenzo Julius 12 Murray Koster 11 Litelihle Bester 10 Vusi Moyo 9 Bradley Davids 8 Nick Hatton (c) 7 Emmanuel Tshituka 6 Phepsi Buthelezi 5 Emile van Heerden 4 Hendre Stassen 3 Vincent Koch 2 Eduan Swart 1 Nemo Roelofse

Bench: 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.

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