The Carling Currie Cup kicks off this Friday at 17:00 SAST as the Hollywoodbets Sharks XV travel to Nelspruit to face the Airlink Pumas at the Mbombela Stadium.
Head coach Mike Vowles has named a potent matchday squad blending top-flight experience with rising youth. Eighthman Thomas Dyer will captain the side.
Vowles said the tactical recruitment was used to bolster the squad for South Africa’s premier domestic competition.
"We did our homework and brought in guys who add leadership, game time, and experience," Vowles explained. "Johan Momsen arrives with American and New Zealand NPC experience, while flyhalf Tim Swiel brings vital organisation and control."
The coach is confident in the squad's balance ahead of the gruelling tournament.
"This is an exciting group. We have players with Currie Cup and United Rugby Championship exposure, alongside hungry youngsters keen to make their mark."
Hollywoodbets Sharks XV: 1 Cameron Dawson, 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 3 Simphiwe Ngobese, 4 Johan Momsen, 5 Deon Slabbert, 6 Willem van den Hever, 7 Jannes Potgieter, 8 Thomas Dyer (c), 9 Ross Braude, 10 Tim Swiel, 11 Lyle Matthews, 12 Janco Purchase, 13 Marnus Potgieter, 14 Christie Grobbelaar, Chijindu Okonta. Replacements: 16 Jacques Marais, 17 Jaco du Toit, 18 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 19 Sipho Nonyalela, 20 Hanu Pieterse, 21 Ceano Everson, 22 Chris Horak, 23 Matthew Fortuin, 24 Dian Heunis, 25 Zack Meyer, 26 Meno Barnard.