The Hollywoodbets Sharks hit the road for the last time in the pool stages of the Carling Currie Cup competition when they head to Cape Town on Saturday at 15:00 (SA Time) to take on DHL Western Province in a highly-anticipated coastal derby.
The two teams have met numerous times over the years and the fixture never fails to excite as the two old foes go head-to-head in this year’s competition for the first time this season, having last met in June 2023.
Like the Hollywoodbets Sharks, Province is also missing their regular URC players and has a young side competing in this year’s tournament, but they haven’t quite hit their stride in the way the Durban side has of late.
With two wins from their seven fixtures, Province is fighting for a top-four finish and will have to rely on both some good personal form and a few upsets as they chase their way from the sixth spot, seven points behind the Hollywoodbets Sharks who have climbed into fourth place on the log, their surge coming off the back of three wins and a draw from their last four matches.
Head coach JP Pietersen has made four changes to his backline, starting with scrumhalf Bradley Davids in for Jaden Hendrikse who has linked up with the Springboks after getting back to match fitness in the Currie Cup.
A new and imposing centre pairing of Francios Venter and Jurenzo Julius replaces last week’s midfield du of Alwayno Visagie and Lili Bester respectively, while Tiaan Swanepoel comes in for Hakeem Kunene at fullback.
There is just one change to the pack, where Siya Ningiza takes over from the impressive Jannes Potgieter who has enjoyed a stellar debut season at flank.
The Hollywoodbets Sharks
1. Dian Bleuler
2. Dan Jooste
3. Kabous Bezuidenhout
4. Bathobele Hlekani
5. Reniel Hugo
6. Tino Mavesere
7. Siya Ningiza
8. Nick Hatton (c)
9. Bradley Davids
10. Lionel Cronje
11. Yaw Penxe
12. Francios Venter
13. Jurenzo Julius
14. Eduan Keyter
15. Tiaan Swanepoel
Replacements
16. Bryce Calvert
17. Braam Reyneke
18. Mawande Mdanda
19. Coetzee Le Roux
20. Hennie Sieberhagen
21. Tiaan Fourie
22. Christie Grobbelaar
23. Anthony Volmink
Players not available for selection due to injury:
- Diego Apollis
- Lili Bester
- Ethan Bester
- Chris Horak
- Janus Potgieter
- IG Prinsloo
- Hakeem Kunene