The Sharks will go into Saturday’s URC opener against the Ospreys with Vusi Moyo starting at No 10 after Jordan Hendrikse suffered a setback and was ruled out of selection.
JP Pietersen said Hendrikse has “a little niggle,” which has opened the door for Moyo to take over the pivot role at Kings Park. It is a notable change for the Sharks, who are still settling their attacking shape ahead of the new campaign.
Why Moyo gets the nod
Pietersen pointed to Moyo’s pre-season form and leadership as the main reasons for the switch. He said Moyo has shown promising signs throughout the pre-season, has led well and has been with the group for the full build-up, making him the right choice for the opener.
The selection is also linked to Hendrikse’s interrupted preparation. During the Sharks’ pre-season hit-out against the Lions, Hendrikse got game time after recovering from a lengthy back injury, but he has now hit another setback before the first round of the URC.
Sharks face a fresh challenge in midfield
The flyhalf change is not the only adjustment facing the Sharks. JP Pietersen noted that Murray Koster and Jurenzo Julius are up for the challenge, but he also highlighted that the Ospreys are bringing a new midfield of their own, with Lawson Creighton and Lalakai Foketi in place.
Pietersen said the Sharks will need to be ready for how the Ospreys want to play, especially if they use possession well and try to hold the ball for long periods. He also pointed to the Ospreys’ loose trio as another area to watch, saying they have good movement and footwork that could test the Sharks’ space on defence.
For the Sharks, the immediate focus is clear: adjust quickly, back Moyo at flyhalf and make sure the opener at Kings Park does not become a slow start to the season.
