The Hollywoodbets Sharks XV return to KZN after playing one of their five Carling Currie Cup matches at home and the rest on the road, as they host the Fidelity ADT Lions at Woodburn Stadium in Pietermaritzburg on Friday at 19:15 SAST.
It has been a demanding and challenging Carling Currie Cup campaign this season. Still, the team will relish the opportunity to turn out in front of a passionate band of supporters, as they take the game into the communities outside of Hollywoodbets Kings Park and thank the loyal supporters for backing them all the way.
Friday’s fixture will also take on special significance, with 100% of the proceeds from the match being donated to the Swan family to assist Jeremy Swan, who sustained a serious, life-changing neck injury while playing for Maritzburg Rugby Club against Amanzimtoti Rugby Club on 11 July.
The Sharks are calling on the rugby community and supporters to come out in numbers for what promises to be a special evening of rugby, while showing their support for Jeremy and his family during this incredibly difficult time.
Head coach for the Carling Currie Cup, Mike Vowles, has made several changes to his side, with Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka starting in place of Jaco du Toit, with the loosehead pair swapping jerseys, while Simphiwe Ngobese takes over from Lee-Marvin Mazibuko at tighthead.
Deon Slabbert returns to the side at lock, with Meno Barnard moving to flank in a rejigged loose-forward trio, with Jean-Henri Smit coming in on the other side of the scrum and Tino Mavesere shifting to eighthman.
Vowles has made just the one change to the backline, switching Janco Purchase and Albie Bester at inside centre for this clash.
Hollywoodbets Sharks XV: 1 Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka, 2 Liam van Wyk, 3 Simphiwe Ngobese, 4 Johan Momsen, 5 Deon Slabbert, 6 Jean-Henri Smit, 7 Meno Barnard, 8 Tino Mavesere, 9 Ross Braude (c), 10 Tim Swiel, 11 Khuthi Rasivhaga, 12 Janco Purchase, 13 Lyle Matthews, 14 Christie Grobbelaar, 15 Luan Giliomee. Replacements: 16 Jacques Marais, 17 Jaco du Toit, 18 Dian Heunis, 19 Danio Botha, 20 Wasi Vyambwera, 21 Juan Loots, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Albie Bester.