The Hollywoodbets Sharks welcome English giants Saracens to Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday at 17:15 (SA Times) for the first home game of their Investec Champions Cup campaign.
The team selected for this match is both an acknowledgement of the quality of opposition that comes to Durban, as well as a show of force of the squad that has been assembled for the team in Black & White.
Andre Esterhuizen leads a side that is both star-studded and a mix of talented youth.
Aphelele Fassi has been handed a start in his customary fullback position, the weekend special returning after sustaining an ankle injury for the Springboks against the All Blacks in September, and his is a welcome return to action.
Hooker Bongi Mbonambi, flank Siya Kolisi, scrumhalf Grant Williams, Esterhuizen at centre, outside centre Ethan Hooker and Edwill van der Merwe (wing) all feature in the starting XV after their exploits in a Springbok jersey during the recent internationals.
Esterhuizen, who celebrates his 100th appearance for the Hollywoodbets Sharks on this auspicious occasion, speaks of the milestone he is achieving, “It’s taken me a while to get here, but it’s a massive honour to play my 100th game for a franchise like the Hollywoodbets Sharks. I was always going to come back here after my stint overseas, and I’m really excited for this week and honoured to play 100 games in the jersey.”
Saracens have had a similar season to the Hollywoodbets Sharks, having missed their internationals during the Autumn Nations Series and the British & Irish Lions tour to Australia between June and August, but they have brought back the likes of Ben Earl, Elliot Daly, Owen Farrell and Jamie George for the mini tour to South Africa, and like the Durban side who were recent Challenge Cup title-holders, the three-time Champions Cup winners from England will feel they have a point to prove.
Hollywoodbets Sharks
- Phatu Ganyane
- Bongi Mbonambi
- Hanro Jacobs
- Jason Jenkins
- Emile van Heerden
- Siya Kolisi
- Vincent Tshituka
- Phepsi Buthelezi
- Grant Williams
- George Whitehead
- Makazole Mapimpi
- Andre Esterhuizen (Captain) *
- Ethan Hooker
- Edwill van der Merwe
- Aphelele Fassi
Replacements
- Eduan Swart
- Lee-Marvin Mazibuko
- Mawande Mdanda
- Marvin Orie
- Matt Romao
- Nick Hatton
- Jaden Hendrikse
- Jordan Hendrikse