The Hollywoodbets Sharks will be determined to hit their straps from the outset against Munster at the Hollywoodbets Kings Park at 17:00 (SA Time)to get a stronghold on the match, especially with the side trailing the Irish giants by five log positions and with half the number of victories to their name after 12 rounds.
With the Durbanites coming off two successive defeats, they will be mindful that it would take similarly strong performances to those they delivered to beat the DHL Stormers two weeks in a row to secure the desired result.
With the Hollywoodbets Sharks boasting only an eight-point advantage in terms of points scored, tightening up their defence will be a key department for them to bag a victory and claw their way closer to playoff contention.
The Hollywoodbets Sharks head coach JP Pietersen has made eight changes to his team, including the return of Siya Kolisi to the starting line-up where the Bok captain earns his 50th cap.
There is also a rejig of the front row, with Phatu Ganyane, Fez Mbatha and Hanro Jacobs swapping jerseys with Ox Nche, Eduan Swart and Vincent Koch, who started the last match.
Amongst the backs, Grant Williams starts in place of the injured Jaden Hendrikse, while Ethan Hooker is back to partner captain Andre Esterhuizen in the midfield, and Yaw Penxe takes over from Edwill van der Merwe on the wing. In the final change, Hollywoodbets Sharks Under 21 star and new kid on the block for the Blitzbokke, Luan Giliomee, gets a start at fullback, replacing Jaco Williams.
This is an auspicious occasion for another Springbok, Makazole Mapimpi, who plays in his 100th cap for the Hollywoodbets Sharks on Saturday, joining an elite group of centurions to have worn the coveted Black and White jersey on 100 occasions or more.
While the immediate ambition for the team is to enjoy a successful outing against the Irish, the fight for a top eight finish remains a priority that the team cannot lose sight of.
“We know what a challenge it’s going to be, but there is hope and belief, and a big drive to get results because we know we can’t afford any errors,” explained flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse in the build-up to the match.
JJ Hanrahan leads Munster as captain for the first time on his 155th appearance for the province and 150th game in the URC.
Six changes to the side beat Zebre three weeks ago. Tom Ahern (neck), Alex Nankivell (foot) and John Hodnett (hamstring) all return from injury to start. Ethan Coughlan, Diarmuid Barron and Academy flanker Seán Edogbo also come into the side.
Teams
Hollywoodbets Sharks: 15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Le Roux Malan, 12 Andre Esterhuizen (captain), 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Phatu Ganyane. Replacements: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Nick Hatton, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Jean Smith, 23 Hakeen Kunene.
Munster: 15 Mike Haley, 14 Calvin Nash, 13 Tom Farrell, 12 Alex Nankivell, 11 Shane Daly, 10 JJ Hanrahan (captain), 9 Ethan Coughlan, 8 Gavin Coombes, 7 John Hodnett, 6 Seán Edogbo,5 Tom Ahern, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Michael Ala’alatoa, 2 Diarmuid Barron, 1 Michael Milne. Replacements: 16 Lee Barron, 17 Josh Wycherley, 18 John Ryan, 19 Edwin Edogbo, 20 Fineen Wycherley, 21 Paddy Patterson, 22 Dan Kelly, 23 Brian Gleeson.