The Hollywoodbets Sharks and the Lions are set for a crucial United Rugby Championship (URC) showdown at Hollywoodbets Kings Park in Durban on Saturday, 3 January 2026. Kick-off is at 15:30 SA time, with the hosts tipped as favourites.
With set-piece battles, close-range collisions, and territorial chess expected to dominate, forward physicality and tactical kicking will be crucial. Any lapse in intensity or execution could prove costly, particularly if the Sharks can convert pressure into points and let their defence force errors at the right end of the field.
Both sides find themselves in a "must-win" scenario after difficult starts to their URC campaigns. The Lions currently occupy ninth place on the table with 17 points, while the Sharks sit 13th on 12 points.
The Lions can take some comfort from recent history, having won three of their last five encounters with the Sharks. However, their record in Durban, just one win from five, remains a concern.
Since JP Pietersen took over as interim head coach, the Sharks have shown signs of a revival, claiming a Champions Cup victory and a URC win over the Bulls. They welcome back Springboks Ox Nche and Aphelele Fassi to the starting lineup, while the influential Siya Kolisi is named among the replacements to provide leadership in the second half. With momentum building, the Sharks are focused on delivering a consistent performance.
Pietersen makes just three changes to his starting XV: Nche returns at loosehead prop for Phatu Ganyane, who moves to the bench; Manu Tshituka replaces Phepsi Buthelezi at eighthman, with Buthelezi also among the reserves; and Fassi slots in at fullback for Hakeem Kunene.
Corne Rahl and Siya Masuku also return to the matchday 23, joining a bench that blends youthful energy with the experience of Springboks Phepsi Buthelezi and Jaden Hendrikse.
The Lions, coming off a recent loss to the Stormers, travel to Durban with a positive mindset and an intent to play expansive rugby. Assistant coach Ricardo Loubscher acknowledged the Sharks’ quality but emphasised the importance of sticking to their “process-driven” approach in all facets of the game.
There are a few enforced changes for the Francke Horn-led Lions: locks Darrien Landsberg (shoulder) and Reinhard Nothnagel (concussion) are sidelined, while young prop SJ Kotze remains at home. Eddie Davids retains his starting spot in the front row, with RF Schoeman and Conrad van Vuuren providing cover.
On the bench, the Lions introduce the powerful Renzo du Plessis and promising halfback Haashim Pead.
Teams:
Hollywoodbets Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Ethan Hooker, 12 Andre Esterhuizen (c), 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Manu Tshituka, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche. Replacements: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Phatu Ganyane, 18 Mawande Mdanda, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Nick Hatton, 22 Jaden Hendrikse, 23 Siya Masuku.
Lions: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Kelly Mpeku, 13 Erich Cronje, 12 Bronson Mills, 11 Angelo Davids, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Francke Horn (captain), 7 Ruan Venter, 6 Jarod Cairns, 5 Ruben Schoeman, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 PJ Botha, 1 Eddie Davids. Replacements: 16 Morne Brandon, 17 RF Schoeman, 18 Conrad van Vuuren, 19 Ruan Delport, 20 Renzo du Plessis, 21 Siba Qoma, 22 Haashim Pead, 23 Richard Kriel.