The Hollywoodbets Sharks face ASM Clermont Auvergne on Saturday at 13:30 (SA Time) in their quest to reach the final of the EPCR Challenge Cup when the two meet in the competition’s semi-final at the Twickenham Stoop in London.
Head coach John Plumtree has selected a powerful side to take on the French giants, one that has the right blend of Springbok talent and tried and tested Hollywoodbets Sharks stalwarts, with a smattering of youthful exuberance to round off a settled, composed and ambitious side.
Captain Lukhanyo Am admits that his team is ready and excited for the challenge that lies ahead, confident in the way they’ve gone about readying themselves for this knock-out game.
“In games like this, it’s about getting the best prep and we’ve done a great deal to put ourselves in this position and once you’re in the changeroom, it’s about having confidence in the prep you’ve done,” he explained from the team’s base in London.
“This game is a big one for us and everyone is hyped and excited to be playing in a semi against a quality side like Clermont.”
Am called the two sets of protagonists ‘like-for-like’, suggesting that both sides employ a similar outlook as well as game management.
“We back our set-piece against a good Clermont set-piece and they do mix it up between forwards and backs, which is the same with us. So it’s definitely going to be an exciting game.
“With all the prep we’ve done, I think we’re ready.”
Hollywoodbets Sharks
1. Ox Nche
2. Bongi Mbonambi
3. Vincent Koch
4. Eben Etzebeth
5. Emile van Heerden
6. James Venter
7. Vincent Tshituka
8. Phepsi Buthelezi
9. Grant Williams
10. Siya Masuku
11. Makazole Mapimpi
12. Ethan Hooker
13. Lukhanyo Am (c)
14. Werner Kok
15. Aphelele Fassi
Replacements
16. Fez Mbatha
17. Ntuthuko Mchunu
18. Hanro Jacobs
19. Gerbrandt Grobler
20. Jeandre Labuschagne
21. Cameron Wright
22. Boeta Chamberlain
23. Francois Venter