Siya Kolisi leads the Hollywoodbets Sharks in one of the most eagerly anticipated rugby matches in recent times, as the Durban side, reigning EPCR Challenge Cup champions, host Investec Champions Cup title-holders Toulouse at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday.
This crucial third match of the pool stages pits two of the biggest names in franchise rugby in what should be an epic showdown between two teams proudly representing South Africa and France.
Bongi Mbonambi’s welcome return sees him form an all-Bok front row, alongside Ox Nche and Vincent Koch, but sadly Eben Etzebeth has not been passed fit to play this weekend. Also missing are centre Andre Esterhuizen and fullback Aphelele Fassi after the duo were injured in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash with the DHL Stormers.
Francois Venter partners Ethan Hooker in the midfield, while Makazole Mapimpi is back in the starting line-up after missing the Stormers game. Hakeem Kunene is named at fullback in the absence of Aphelele Fassi.
Commenting on the scrum battle and the return of his front row partner, Ox Nche admits that given the size of the challenge they face, Bongi Mbonambi’s inclusion is a big boost for the Hollywoodbets Sharks.
“Bongi is a vital part of the pack, but scrumming is a pack effort involving all eight guys, and against a team like Toulouse, if one guy is off, it becomes very difficult.
“I’ve scrummed a lot of games with Bongi, so I connect well with him, we’re both on the same page and he’s a big factor in our scrum.”
Hollywoodbets Sharks
- Ox Nche
- Bongi Mbonambi
- Vincent Koch
- Corne Rahl
- Jason Jenkins
- Phepsi Buthelezi
- ManuTshituka
- Siya Kolisi (Captain)
- Jaden Hendrikse
- Jordan Hendrikse
- Makazole Mapimpi
- Francois Venter
- Ethan Hooker
- Yaw Penxe
- Hakeem Kunene
Replacements
- Dylan Richardson
- Ruan Dreyer
- Trevor Nyakane
- Lappies Labuschagne
- Vincent Tshituka
- Nick Hatton
- Bradley Davids
- Jurenzo Julius
The following players are not available for selection due to injury/unavailability: Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Braam Reyneke, Eben Etzebeth, Emile van Heerden, Fez Mbatha, Gerbrandt Grobler, Grant Williams (family bereavement), James Venter, Khwezi Mona, Lukhanyo Am, Marnus Potgieter.
