The Hollywoodbets Sharks XV will welcome the Vodacom Bulls to Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Sunday at 15:00 (SA Time) in a Carling Currie Cup clash of interesting proportions.
With neither side relinquishing their current positions on the log regardless of the outcome, and with both having sewn up spots in next week’s semi-finals, there is more to this final pool match than just academic interest.
Head coach John Plumtree has continued his integration of Vodacom United Rugby Championship players into the Currie Cup with the intercontinental tournament looming fast.
This is an opportunity to not only provide valuable game time in a competitive arena – and it doesn’t get much more competitive than against the old foe, the Bulls – but for the players to do the union proud.
The Hollywoodbets Sharks have now gone six games unbeaten in the tournament, registering five wins and one draw in a quite remarkable run of form that, regardless of the score after Sunday’s final whistle, sees the Durban side finish in third spot on the log, with another date with the Bulls in next week’s knock-out, this time in Pretoria.
There is a distinctly URC look about the side, although this week’s scrumhalf Bradley Davids, centre Jurenzo Julius and wing Lili Bester have all been outstanding contributors during the Currie Cup campaign.
Vincent Tshituka will lead the side out in the absence of Nick Hatton whose star has continued to shine and for whom a bright future awaits. He will play alongside his brother Emmanuel amongst the loose forwards, in a team that is filled with exciting youngsters and top-class internationals.
Hollywoodbets Sharks
1. Ntuthuko Mchunu
2. Dylan Richardson
3. Hanro Jacobs
4. Gerbrandt Grobler
5. Emile van Heerden
6. Emmanuel Tshituka
7. Vincent Tshituka (C)
8. Phepsi Buthelezi
9. Bradley Davids
10. Siya Masuku
11. Makazole Mapimpi
12. Ethan Hooker
13. Jurenzo Julius
14. Litelihle Bester
15. Jordan Hendrikse
Replacements
16. Fez Mbatha
17. Trevor Nyakane
18. Ruan Dreyer
19. Corne’ Rahl
20. Lappies Lubuschagne
21. Cameron Wright
22. Lionel Cronje
23. Jaco Williams