Andre the Giant leads Sharks into Sarries battle

Andre Esterhuizen will captain the Sharks in Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup match against Saracens at Kings Park.

The midfielder is among several returning Springboks, including hooker Bongi Mbonambi, flank Siya Kolisi, scrumhalf Grant Williams and utility back Ethan Hooker, who starts at outside centre.

Aphelele Fassi has recovered from an ankle injury suffered against the All Blacks in Wellington in September to start at fullback.

SARACENS BOSS: Sharks a proper team

New interim Sharks coach JP Pietersen has opted for Griquas’ Currie Cup winner George Whitehead at 10 with Jordan Hendrikse among the replacements on a 6-2 bench.

A youthful Sharks team lost 56-19 to Toulouse in France last weekend, while Saracens hammered Clermont 47-10 in London.

ANDRE THE GIANT: Boks ready to revive Sharks

SHARKS – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Ethan Hooker, 12 Andre Esterhuizen (c), 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 George Whitehead, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Phatu Ganyane.
Bench: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 18 Mawande Mdanda, 19 Marvin Orie, 20 Matt Romao, 21 Nick Hatton, 22 Jaden Hendrikse, 23 Jordan Hendrikse.

Weekend teams

“I want to bring back the fight and the pride for the jersey. Not by talking. By doing.” pic.twitter.com/uZWIotsFRN

— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) December 11, 2025

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images