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18h ago

Sharks Recall Ox Nché and Aphelele Fassi as Pietersen’s Resurgent Side Hosts Lions in URC Derby

Selection boosts for the hosts contrast with Lions fitness doubts in a fixture that will shift the SA Shield race.

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - DECEMBER 20: Reinhard Nothnagel of the Lions receives medical attention during the United Rugby Championship match between DHL Stormers and Lions at DHL Stadium on December 20, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images)
Sharks interim head coach JP Pietersen. Picture: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
Steve Haag/Gallo Images
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Overview

  • The Sharks named a largely settled XV, making three changes with Ox Nché and Aphelele Fassi starting and Manu Tshituka replacing Phepsi Buthelezi at No 8, while Corné Rahl and Siya Masuku return on the bench.
  • Ricardo Loubscher said Lions lock Reinhard Nothnagel and wing Eduan Keyter remain in concussion protocols and lock Darrien Landsberg is a doubt with a knee/shoulder issue for the Durban trip.
  • Under interim coach JP Pietersen, the Sharks have won back-to-back home games against Saracens (Champions Cup) and the Bulls (URC) after a poor start that left them 13th on the table.
  • The Lions arrive eighth after three straight defeats across competitions, having earlier added Junior Bok Bathobele Hlekani and signalling plans to give fellow U20 standout Haashim Pead more opportunities.
  • Kick-off at Kings Park is scheduled for Saturday at 3:30pm, with both teams highlighting the physical nature of SA derbies and the encounter’s implications for URC positioning and the SA Shield standings.