The Hollywoodbets Sharks will look to add to their tally of wins over Vodacom United Rugby Championship title-holders when they host the DHL Stormers at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday.
To do this requires a monumental effort against the 2021/22 champions, but home victories over last year’s winners Glasgow Warriors backed up victory over Munster who won the previous year puts the Durban side on a strong trajectory to make it three from three.
Head coach John Plumtree has upped the ante in this regard, demonstrating his willingness to select the strongest team possible with a strong contingent of test-match players.
Back in the side are props Ox Nche and Vincent Koch, Scottish international Dylan Richardson, captain Eben Etzebeth, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, brothers Jaden and Jordan Hendrikse, try-scoring machine Makazole Mapimpi, Lukhanyo Am, Aphelele Fassi and Grant Williams.
Lock Jason Jenkins admits that his team is primed and ready for action this week after a break in the competition during the autumn internationals. He also acknowledges the value of making home-ground advantage count, and to build a fortress that visiting teams find imposing.
“This weekend is huge for us, we’ve spoken as a squad about making Hollywoodbets Kings Park a special place where it’s tough for teams to play and come and win.
“The whole squad has bought into that, we’re all on the same page and it’s important that we keep the momentum that we have.
“To have three games in a row against the champions is exciting, and winning this week will put us in the right place, on the front foot, with a game in hand.”
Casting his eye at the opposition, he acknowledges just what a battle they have ahead of them.
“Look, any local derby is tough, it’s always a bit personal and while we don’t have a good track record against them in the URC, we’ll be looking to change that.
“It’s going to be a big weekend for us, we know it’s going to be tough, we know what they bring, but we’re really looking forward to the game.”
Hollywoodbets Sharks
- Ox Nche
- Dylan Richardson
- Vincent Koch
- Jason Jenkins
- Gerbrandt Grobler
- James Venter
- Vincent Tshituka
- Siya Kolisi (C)
- Jaden Hendrikse
- Siya Masuku
- Makazole Mapimpi
- Andre Esterhuizen
- Lukhanyo Am
- Ethan Hooker
- Aphelele Fassi
Replacements
- Ethan Bester
- Ntuthuko Mchunu
- Trevor Nyakane
- Corne Rahl
- Phepsi Buthelezi
- Emmanuel Tshituka
- Grant Williams
- Jordan Hendrikse
The following players are not available for selection:
- Ruan Dreyer
- Eben Etzebeth
- Fez Mbatha
- Bongi Mbonambi (bereavement)
- Khwezi Mona
- Marnus Potgieter
- Braam Reyneke
- Emile van Heereden