Luke Jacobson to captain All Blacks against Sharks in Durban
All Blacks prepare for Sharks challenge
The All Blacks are set to face the Sharks in Durban, with head coach Dave Rennie naming two debutants in the squad. Luke Jacobson will captain the team for the first time in what will be their second match of the South Africa tour. The match is scheduled for Wednesday at Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium.
Bradley Slater, a hooker, is poised to make his debut after being called in as an injury replacement. He will start on the bench alongside loose forward Semisi Ta’eiloa, who is also set to earn his first cap. Rennie described Jacobson as the “obvious choice” for captain, highlighting his respect within the team and his leadership qualities.
Ruben Love returns to the first-five position, having missed the previous match against the Stormers. Fehi Fineanganofo, who was unavailable for the Stormers game due to illness, has been named on the wing. Seven players from the team that defeated the Stormers 38-21 will also feature in the 23-man squad for the Sharks encounter.
Among those starting against the Sharks are hooker Asafo Aumua, lock Sam Darry, halfback Kyle Preston, and wing Caleb Clarke, all of whom came off the bench in the Stormers match. Prop Pasilio Tosi, who started against the Stormers, will provide impact from the bench, joined by fellow prop Ollie Norris and loose forward Ethan Blackadder. Timoci Tavatavanawai and Emoni Narawa are playing for the All Blacks for the first time this year.
Sharks’ history and key players
The Sharks, representing KwaZulu-Natal, have a long history in South African rugby, stemming from the Natal Rugby Union established in 1890. They competed in Super 12, Super 14, and Super Rugby before South African franchises moved to the north after the 2020 season. The Sharks now participate in the United Rugby Championship (URC) alongside other South African teams and clubs from Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and Italy. They also compete in European club competitions and the Currie Cup.
The Sharks have a notable history in professional rugby, reaching four Super Rugby finals in 1996, 2001, 2007, and 2012. Their home ground, Hollywoodbets Kings Park in Durban, is known as the “Shark Tank” and has hosted significant rugby matches, including Currie Cup finals and All Blacks versus Springboks Tests. One memorable international occasion at the venue was in 1998 when the All Blacks staged a comeback against South Africa, securing a 24-23 victory.
The Sharks’ squad includes several prominent players. Siya Kolisi, a two-time Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok captain, returned to the Sharks after a season in France. Other key players include Eben Etzebeth, a two-time Rugby World Cup winner known for his physicality, and Ox Nche, a leading loosehead prop. Midfielder André Esterhuizen and athletic fullback Aphelele Fassi are also significant contributors. The wider squad features Springboks such as Bongi Mbonambi, Vincent Koch, Grant Williams, Jaden Hendrikse, Makazole Mapimpi, and Edwill van der Merwe, alongside younger talents like Ethan Hooker, Jurenzo Julius, and Phepsi Buthelezi.
The Sharks have also seen several New Zealand connections throughout their history. Former All Blacks first five-eighth Tony Brown played for the Sharks during the 2006 Super 14 season. Additionally, Ma’a Nonu, a former All Blacks player with 103 Test caps, recently joined the Sharks in a high-performance mentorship role and is available to play. Nonu was a key member of the Rugby World Cup-winning teams in 2011 and 2015.
Historic encounters and upcoming challenge
The All Blacks have a history of playing against the Sharks’ predecessor, Natal, winning five of their six matches, with one draw. These matches took place in 1928, 1949, 1970, 1976, and 1992, with a 6-6 draw in 1960. The initial games were held at Alexandra Park in Pietermaritzburg and Kingsmead Cricket Ground in Durban, while subsequent matches were played at Kings Park Stadium.
The upcoming match is considered another demanding challenge for the All Blacks, following their tour opener against the Stormers. Rennie noted that the opening match provided an introduction to the playing style of South African teams, and the Sharks are expected to present a similar challenge. The kick-off for the match is scheduled for 5am NZ time on Wednesday, 12 August.
Source: rnz.co.nz
