Vodacom United Rugby Championship action resumes this weekend as the Hollywoodbets Sharks travel to Johannesburg for their return-leg, second-round clash against the Lions on Saturday afternoon.
The fixture presents another important opportunity for growth under newly confirmed permanent head coach JP Pietersen and his team, who will be looking to build on the positive form shown prior to the competition break.
Vincent Tshituka captains a side that is without several Springboks currently observing player welfare rest protocols. Despite those absences, the squad retains significant experience throughout the match-day 23, particularly among the replacements, where three Springboks – Vincent Koch, Phepsi Buthelezi and Jordan Hendrikse add valuable impact and composure.
The Hollywoodbets Sharks head into the encounter with clear objectives. Currently ninth on the overall log, they are chasing a top-eight finish while also targeting the South African Shield.
A return of four or five log points against the Lions would see the Hollywoodbets Sharks leapfrog the eighth-placed Ospreys into the top eight. It would also secure retention of the SA Shield (which the Hollywoodbets Sharks won last season) and place the team in a strong position with the remaining fixtures to be played.
The Lions pose a formidable challenge at home, and the Hollywoodbets Sharks are fully aware of the task ahead. However, the group embraces the opportunity, confident that delivering a performance aligned to their potential will bring the rewards they are striving for.
Hollywoodbets Sharks
1. Phatu Ganyane
2. Fez Mbatha
3. Hanro Jacobs
4. Corne Rahl
5. Jason Jenkins
6. Tino Mavesere
7. Vincent Tshituka (C)
8. Thomas Dyer
9. Jaden Hendrikse
10. Siya Masuku
11. Jaco Williams
12. Jurenzo Julius
13. Francois Venter
14. Edwill van der Merwe
15. Aphelele Fassi
Replacements
16. Eduan Swart
17. Cameron Dawson
18. Vincent Koch
19. Emile van Heerden
20. Phepsi Buthelezi
21. Ross Braude
22. Jordan Hendrikse
23. Yaw Penxe