The Hollywoodbets Sharks will travel to Loftus Versfeld for Saturday’s second-round Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash with the Vodacom Bulls at 17:00 (SA Time).
The return leg of this fixture presents a big challenge for the side, missing a number of internationals, but still able to name a side that has plenty of experience at this level.
Vincent Tshituka continues to carry the leadership responsibilities in the absence of Springboks Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi, and he is one of a number of changes to the forward pack that stood up to the Bulls in the first-round clash, won by the Durban side at Hollywoodbets Kings Park less than two months ago.
The Bulls will have to contend with a Springbok front row comprising Ntuthuko Mchunu, Bongi Mbonambi and Trevor Nyakane who will have a massive task upfront as they look to tame their front row counterparts.
Corne Rahl and Jason Jenkins form the second-row partnership with Tshituka linking up with Tino Mavesere and Phepsi Buthelezi in the back row.
Grant Williams and Siya Masuku form the halfback pairing, taking over from brothers Jaden and Jordan Hendrikse who featured in round one, while Lukhanyo Am partners with Jurenzo Julius in the midfield and Ethan Hooker, Yaw Penxe and Jordan Hendrikse complete the team, comprising the back three.
The Bulls have won two of their last VURC games, the only loss was going down to the Hollywoodbets Sharks, a narrow 20-17 defeat in Durban in December, while the Hollywoodbets Sharks also have a run of two from their last three.
This match promises to be every bit as intense and physical as we’ve come to expect in derby matches between the two sides.
Hollywoodbets Sharks:
- Ntuthuko Mchunu
- Bongi Mbonambi
- Trevor Nyakane
- Corne Rahl
- Jason Jenkins
- Tino Mavesere
- Vincent Tshituka (c)
- Phepsi Buthelezi
- Grant Williams
- Siya Masuku
- Ethan Hooker
- Lukhanyo Am
- Jurenzo Julius
- Yaw Penxe
- Jordan Hendrikse
Replacements
- Ethan Bester
- Ruan Dreyer
- Hanro Jacobs
- Lappies Labuschagne
- Jannes Potgieter
- Bradley Davids
- Francois Venter
- Jaco Williams
The following players are not available for selection due to injury or mandatory Springbok leave: Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Bryce Calvert, Diego Appollis, Dylan Richardson, Eben Etzebeth, Emile van Heerden, Fez Mbatha, Gerbrandt Grobler, Hakeem Kunene, Jaden Hendrikse (Springbok leave), James Venter, Khwezi Mona, Makazole Mapimpi (suspension), Manu Tshituka, Marnus Potgieter, Nick Hatton, Ox Nche, Siya Kolisi (Springbok leave).