0
Emirates Western Force captain Nathan Sharpe has been forced out of tonight’s season-opening Investec Super 14 clash with a stomach virus.
The veteran of 94 Super Rugby caps will be replaced in the starting lineup by Australian Under 21 lock Tom Hockings, who will make his Super 14 debut in front of an expected crowd of over 45,000 at ABSA Stadium in Durban.
The forced change will see Matt Giteau make his debut as captain of the Emirates Western Force, while hooker Tai McIsaac has been elevated to the vice captaincy role.