Eben Etzebeth to captain Sharks in Challenge Cup final

South Africa lock Eben Etzebeth will lead the Sharks in the Challenge Cup final on Friday against Gloucester in place of the injured Lukhanyo Am.

The Sharks and South Africa centre is out with a shoulder injury, so his two-time World Cup winning teammate will deputise.

Etzebeth will lead a side that only has two changes from the XV that triumphed over ASM Clermont Auvergne, with the Springbok gaining a new second row partner in Gerbrandt Grobler.

Grobler, who started on the bench against Clermont, replaces Emile van Heerden in the pack. In the backline, James Venter replaces Am, with Ethan Hooker moving into the No13 jersey.

Ox Nche starts in an all-Springboks front row in what will be his 50th appearance for the side in international competitions.

Speaking ahead of the match, the loosehead said: “The mood in the camp is pretty good, everyone is focussed. It’s a big game for us all, everyone is in tune and excited; we just want to give it our all.

“Keeping players calm and everyone focussed on what they need to do and how they can help the team; that’s our biggest task at the moment.

“This is a serious game, it means a lot to us, it’s something we haven’t done as a union and it’s going to be as big a challenge for us.

“We’re approaching it the same way: the intensity is the same because we could be the first South African team to win a European title.

“It would be an amazing reward if we did it!”

Sharks XV

15 Aphelele Fassi

14 Werner Kok

13 Ethan Hooker

12 Francois Venter

11 Makazole Mapimpi

10 Siya Masuku

9 Grant Williams

8 Phepsi Buthelezi

7 Vincent Tshituka

6 James Venter

5 Gerbrandt Grobler

4 Eben Etzebeth (c)

3 Vincent Koch

2 Bongi Mbonambi

1 Ox Nche

Replacements

16 Fez Mbatha

17 Ntuthuko Mchunu

18 Hanro Jacobs

19 Lappies Labuschagne

20 Dylan Richardson

21 Cameron Wright

22 Curwin Bosch

23 Eduan Keyter