THE Sharks have received a welcome boost for their trip to Europe with the inclusion of Springbok lock Jason Jenkins for their three-match United Rugby Championship tour.
The Durban outfit named a 27-man tour squad for their URC opener against Connacht in Galway on Saturday (8.35pm start), before they tackle the Dragons in Newport a week later and then round off the tour in a clash with Italian outfit Benetton in Treviso on October 12.
The 28-year-old Jenkins – who made his Test debut against Wales in 2018 – was named on the Sharks’ bench for last week’s 16-14 Currie Cup final victory over the Lions at Ellis Park, but was withdrawn shortly before the start and replaced by Jeandré Labuschagne.
It was supposed to be his Sharks debut after joining the side from Leinster in the off-season, but now he will hope to make his debut against Connacht this weekend.
Jenkins effectively replaced young lock Emile van Heerden, who appeared to sustain concussion in a tackle on charging Lions flank Ruan Venter in the Currie Cup final.
Jenkins, a former Bulls stalwart, will be able to add another dimension to an already impressive Sharks second row, where young No 4 Corné Rahl was one of the finds of last season with his physicality.
The Sharks will also be able to call on the experience of another Bok, centre Francois Venter, after he missed the Currie Cup final due to a suspension.
The Durbanites have added a fresh new face to their backline in the shape of the electric Griffons wing Gurshwin Wehr, who has scored some sensational tries with his pace and stepping skills for the Welkom outfit over the past few years.
The Sharks’ main focus this season will be on the Champions Cup and URC, but coach John Plumtree will hope that the successful Currie Cup campaign – where fullback Jordan Hendrikse kicked a late 59m penalty to clinch the title – will inspire his team to continue on a positive path on tour.
Connacht will be determined to get their tournament going after going down 35-33 to Munster in Limerick last weekend.
“Winning right at the end of the game is one of the moments that gives us confidence. The never-give-up attitude is something we’re trying to instil in the boys, so I’m really proud of them for the way they never gave up, even when it looked like the Lions had done enough to win,” Plumtree said.
“To have come to Joburg for the final, lost and then hop on a plane for Ireland wouldn’t have been great – fortunately, that’s not the case. So, we will all cherish the memory, everyone who had a hand in getting us to the end.
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“We’ve found belief, but it’s going to be tough emotionally and physically getting off this high.
“The other job for me now is getting the players back down to earth, because we know what a tough game we have in Galway.
“Connacht will be waiting for us ... they’ll be excited about playing at home.”
Sharks Tour Squad
Forwards: Corné Rahl, Dylan Richardson, Emmanuel Tshituka, Ethan Bester, Fez Mbatha, Gerbrandt Grobler, Hanro Jacobs, James Venter, Jason Jenkins, Mawande Mdande, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Ruan Dreyer, Tino Mavesere, Trevor Nyakane, Vincent Tshituka (captain).
Backs: André Esterhuizen, Bradley Davids, Cameron Wright, Eduan Keyter, Ethan Hooker, Francois Venter, Gurshwin Wehr, Jordan Hendrikse, Jurenzo Julius, Lionel Cronjé, Siya Masuku, Tian Meyer.