The All Blacks managed to kick off their Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour with a win over the Stormers on Friday night, but it was a highly competitive affair for a large portion of the encounter, and the Sharks will be looking to replicate that sort of effort.
However, circumstances could be different on Tuesday considering that All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has selected what looks to be a ‘shadow’ Test team for this encounter, which kicks of at 19:00.
Rennie said he expected another physical examination after the Stormers kept the scores level at 14-14 until the 66th minute of the tour opener.
“The opening match gave the players a real introduction to the way that South African teams play and the Sharks will be no different,” he said.
“With a short turnaround between games, today has been a big day of preparation. There is a lot of excitement in the group, with the majority of the squad about to play their first game of the tour.”
The Sharks and All Blacks will kick off proceedings at 19:00
Of course, an interesting subplot to this game is the fact that New Zealand legend Ma’a Nonu will make his debut for the Sharks, and the 44-year-old is expected to face his former side when he comes off the bench.
“I didn’t expect him to be named (in the Sharks team), but I’m looking forward to it,” All Blacks skipper Patrick Tuipulotu said. “A lot of the boys are close to him, so it’s no secret how long he’s played.
“His career’s been this long because he’s a true professional, and he’s blessed to keep playing. It’ll be quite a spectacle to see him come up against us, and we’ll certainly look forward to that.
“Might catch up with him midweek and give him a jab or two …”
Meanwhile, the Sharks team will include two-time Springbok World Cup winner Vincent Koch, talented youngsters Vusi Moyo and Phepsi Buthelezi, as well as brothers Manu and Vincent Tshituka.
After Tuesday’s clash, the All Blacks will next face the Bulls on Saturday night, which precedes the first Test.
HOW THE TEAMS WILL LINE UP
SHARKS – 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 Hendrè 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.
ALL BLACKS – 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Fehi Fineanganofo, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Ruben Love, 9 Kyle Preston, 8 Luke Jacobson (c), 7 Wallace Sititi, 6 Tupou Vaa’i, 5 Sam Darry, 4 Josh Lord, 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Asafo Aumua, 1 Ethan de Groot.
Bench: 16 Bradley Slater, 17 Ollie Norris, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Ethan Blackadder, 20 Semisi Ta’eiloa, 21 Cam Roigard, 22 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 23 Emoni Narawa.
