The Hollywoodbets Sharks close out the 2026 Vodacom United Rugby Championship with a final round clash against Zebre at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday afternoon, looking to end the season on a high.
Head coach JP Pietersen has largely stuck with the side that dismantled Zebre’s Italian cousins Benetton last week, keeping the forward pack intact and making a couple of changes to the backline.
Vusi Moyo, fresh off the Junior Boks’ unbeaten run in SANZAR’s Under 20 Rugby Championship (and the trophy), makes his URC debut at flyhalf, with Zekhethelo Siyaya reverting to the fullback position he occupied the previous two weeks, while Litelihle Bester replaces the injured Makazole Mapimpi, who took two heavy knocks in the 46-07 victory a week ago.
Edwill van der Merwe also misses this game through injury, with Jaco Williams elevated to a start and Le Roux Malan taking his place on the bench, joined by Deon Slabbert who comes in for Corne Rahl in the number 19 jersey.
This match is all about continuing last week’s commanding performance, to demonstrate the team’s passion for and commitment to the Black & White jersey and to give a resounding send-off to the competition.
But mostly, it’s about thanking the fans for their support all season, to show how much they matter, and how much the team values the energy and passion they bring.
Hollywoodbets Sharks
1. Ox Nche
2. Eduan Swart
3. Vincent Koch
4. Jason Jenkins
5. Emile van Heerden
6. Siya Kolisi
7. Emmanuel Tshituka
8. Nick Hatton
9. Bradley Davids
10. Vusi Moyo *
11. Litelihle Bester
12. Andre Esterhuizen (c)
13. Jurenzo Julius
14. Jaco Williams
15. Zekhethelo Siyaya
Replacements
16. Fez Mbatha
17. Phatu Ganyane
18. Hanro Jacobs
19. Deon Slabbert
20. Matt Romao
21. Ross Braude
22. Jean Smith
23. Le Roux Malan
*Debut for the Hollywoodbets Sharks
Players not considered for selection due to injury:
Aphelele Fassi, Bongi Mbonambi, Bryce Calvert, Coetzee le Roux, Corne Rahl, Eben Etzebeth, Edwill van der Merwe, Ethan Bester, Ethan Hooker, Francois Venter, Hakeem Kunene, Jaden Hendrikse, Jason Jenkins, Jordan Hendrikse, Luan Giliomee, Makazole Mapimpi, Marvin Orie, Phepsi Buthelezi, Ruan Dreyer, Siya Masuku, Trevor Nyakane, Vincent Tshituka, Yaw Penxe.