Vodacom United Rugby Championship action returns this week after a month-long international break with the Hollywoodbets Sharks taking on Connacht in Galway, Ireland, on Saturday evening.
With the Springboks taking on Wales earlier, the Hollywoodbets Sharks have had to make do without most of their internationals, although the bench is boosted by the inclusion of Grant Williams, who has been released from national duty. There is also a new face, with Suzuki Griquas stalwart George Whitehead drafted in at fly-half, where he starts this weekend’s game.
Captain Vincent Tshituka is excited for what lies ahead and explains that, “We’ve been able to prepare well for this challenge against Connacht, the guys have put in a lot of hard work, and there’s been a good, positive vibe going into this game.
“The past few weeks have been about connecting with the team. It’s been a tough start to the season, not one we wanted, but the only way to build is to bounce back together and put in the hard work, which is exactly what we’ve done. We hope we get to reap those results as well.
“Team connection has been a massive part of the last few weeks for us, connecting on and off the field, connecting as individuals, and it’s been working, the guys are in a really good space.”
Looking at the opposition, he admits that, “Connacht is a quality side and an extremely hard team to beat, especially at home. Although they haven’t had the start to the season they would have liked, we’re under no illusion that they are quality. That will inspire them to create a spark that turns the season around for them, and we know exactly what we’re facing.
“But we’ve worked hard on our preparation over the last few weeks, and it’s about putting it together as a team, coming with a solid plan against them and as a team, we’re really excited for the challenge.”
Kick-off on Saturday is at 21.45 (SA Time).
Hollywoodbets Sharks
- Phatu Ganyane
- Fez Mbatha
- Hanro Jacobs
- Jason Jenkins
- Marvin Orie
- Matt Romao*
- Vincent Tshituka ( C )
- Emmanuel Tshituka
- Jaden Hendrikse
- George Whitehead*
- Makazole Mapimpi
- Francois Venter
- Jurenzo Julius
- Edwill van der Merwe
- Jordan Hendrikse
Replacements
- Eduan Swart
- Lee-Marvin Mazibuko
- Mawande Mdanda
- Emile van Heerden
- Phepsi Buthelezi
- Grant Williams
- Le Roux Malan*
- Hakeem Kunene
*Denotes debuts for the Hollywoodbets Sharks in international competitions.
Players not considered for selection due to injury: Albie Bester, Aphelele Fassi, Bradley Davids, Bryce Calvert, Coetzee le Roux, Corne Rahl, Diego Appollis, Ethan Bester, Jannes Potgieter, Litelihle Bester, Ruan Dreyer, Simphiwe Matanzima, Trevor Nyakane.