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https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/news\/sharks-welcome-back-springboks-for-leinster-clash-as-both-hunt-first-win\/ <\/p>\nmens<\/p>\n
united-rugby-championship<\/p>\n
Ethan Hooker of South Africa celebrates with the Freedom Cup after winning The Rugby Championship match between New Zealand All Blacks and South Africa Springboks at Sky Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins\/Getty Images) https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/news\/sharks-welcome-back-springboks-for-leinster-clash-as-both-hunt-first-win\/ <\/p>\n
The Sharks<\/a> have been boosted by a return of some of their South Africa<\/a> internationals for their clash with United Rugby Championship<\/a> winners Leinster<\/a> on Saturday at the Aviva Stadium.<\/p>\n Fresh from defending the Rugby Championship<\/a> title with a 29-27 victory over Argentina<\/a> at Twickenham\u2019s Allianz Stadium on Saturday, John Plumtree has welcomed back winger Ethan Hooker<\/a> to the XV, who started in London. Bongi Mbonambi<\/a>, who was a replacement against the Pumas, will also start on the bench in Dublin.<\/p>\n While there are plenty of Springboks yet to return, this is a positive boost for a Sharks side that are still hunting for their first win after a round one defeat to Glasgow<\/a> Warriors and a round two draw with the Dragons.<\/p>\n Leinster are yet to record a win as well, having lost to the Stormers<\/a> 35-0 in round one in Cape Town, followed by a 39-31 loss to the Bulls<\/a> at Loftus Versfeld.<\/p>\n Having been without a number of their Test stars, vice-captain Lukhanyo Am<\/a> has taken the positives from the first two rounds. He said: \u201cWe\u2019ve been really impressed with the young blood coming through, guys showing such grit in the past two games.<\/p>\n Fixture<\/p>\n United Rugby Championship<\/p>\n Leinster <\/p>\n Sharks <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s the beginning of the season and we have so much potential to grow.\u201d<\/p>\n On the return of some Springbok players, he said: \u201cThey\u2019re quality players, they will fit in perfectly and having them in our squad will definitely help us.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s the last game on tour and we\u2019re facing a quality side, the champs, but this is one game everyone is really excited about and looking forward to playing. We have a lot to prove playing Leinster at their home ground.<\/p>\n \u201cLeinster are coming back from tour, playing their first game back at home with their British & Irish Lions<\/a> players returning, while we\u2019ve had a boost with some Springbok guys joining us, so we want to finish the tour on a high.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re a quality side and when you face a team like that, you must capitalise on the opportunities you get. They have great players and great systems, but for us, it\u2019s when we do create those opportunities, we have to ensure nine out of ten times we capitalise.\u201d<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/309.png.webp\"\/)
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