Watch VideoRising star Luan Giliomee set for Sharks debut against Munster amid backline injury crisis

Jordan Hendrikse’s injury has claered the way fro excititng young talent Luan Giliomee to make his Sharks debut against Munster this Saturday. A new face will feature in theSharksbackline when they take onMunsterat Kings Park this Saturday (5pm kick-off), as 19-year-old Luan Giliomee prepares to make his United Rugby Championship (URC) debut. Sharks coachJP Pietersen confirmed that injuries in the backline, including a hamstring issue for Jordan Hendrikse, have opened the door for Giliomee to start at full-back.

“Luan is a talented kid,” Pietersen said during an online media conference after naming his team. “He’s done well with the Blitzboks, is part of the SA Under-20 mix, and now he gets a great opportunity to show what he can do against Munster.” Giliomee’s rise has been rapid.He scored his first Springbok Sevens try with a sniping run against Spain in Perth, as the Blitzboks began a winning surge that ultimately led to the series title, having made his first appearance on the circuit just a week earlier in Singapore. He scored his first Springbok Sevens try with a sniping run against Spain in Perth, as the Blitzboks began a winning surge that ultimately led to the series title, having made his first appearance on the circuit just a week earlier in Singapore.

Pietersen highlighted the versatility of the former SA Schools and Sharks Under-21 standout from Ceres in the Western Cape. “Gili is a talented player. He can play nine, 10 or fullback.

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He’s got vision, understands the game well, is strong under the high ball and sees the play ahead. He has a good kicking game, and we’re excited to see what he can showcase on Saturday,” he said. “Hopefully everything goes well for him, he has a couple of good touches and puts in a solid performance.” With the Sharks backline depleted by injuries, the youngster has been gifted the chance to cement his place and lay the foundation for what could be a promising career. 15 Luan Giliomee; 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Ethan Hooker, 12 Andre Esterhuizen (capt), 11 Makazole Mapimpi,10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Phatu Ganyane.

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