The Hollywoodbets Sharks will have to be on point when they line up against Saracens at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday at 17:15 (SA Time), especially with the visitors coming off a comprehensive 47-10 victory against Clermont Auvergne last week, in which they scored an impressive seven tries to outplay the opposition.
The English club are also currently second on the Gallagher Premiership table after an overwhelming victory against Newcastle at home, meaning the Durbanites will have to deliver an all-round top drawer performance to change their fortunes this season. They have only won one and drawn one of their six Vodacom URC matches before suffering a heavy 56-19 defeat against Toulouse in the Investec Champions Cup last week.
The Sharks are currently struggling in the United Rugby Championship, with only one win this season. They suffered a heavy 56-19 defeat to Stade Toulousain in their Investec Champions Cup opener. However, they are bolstered by the return of several key Springboks to the starting lineup, including Siya Kolisi and Bongi Mbonambi, for this crucial home game. This match will also mark Andre Esterhuizen's 100th appearance for the club.
However, Saracens, the three-time Champions Cup winners, had a strong start to their European campaign with a 47-10 victory over Clermont. They have also brought back their own international stars, such as Owen Farrell, Ben Earl, and Jamie George, for their mini-tour to South Africa. Their excellent set-piece and tactical kicking are expected to be key factors in Durban.
The teams only met in an invitational pre-season match in September 2025, where Saracens secured a 38-26 win.
Both teams are at near full-strength with their international players available after recent test duties, promising a high-quality encounter. Saracens arrive in better form, having won their first European game convincingly, whereas the Sharks' season has been challenging so far.
Andre Esterhuizen will lead the Hollywoodbets Sharks, 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.
Andy Onyeama-Christie will captain Saracens. Eroni Mawi is given the starting spot at loosehead in an all-international front row. He packs down with Italian tighthead Marco Riccioni and Theo Dan, who looks to continue his strong run of form at hooker.
Nick Isiekwe joins Harry Wilson in a formidable second-row pairing. Samoan international Theo McFarland stays at blindside flanker and Andy Onyeama-Christie captains Saracens for the first time in Europe from the seven shirt. Tom Willis closes out an all-star forward pack at number eight.
The backline features an exciting half-back combination as academy graduate Charlie Bracken partners Fergus Burke. The centre pairing also sees a refresh as Olly Hartley comes in after impressing on a number of Champions Cup outings last season. He lines up with Sam Spink, who makes his first European appearance since January 2022.
The back-three welcomes the return of Angus Hall and Rotimi Segun on the wings as the speedsters complete their recovery from an injury-affected first half of the season. Elliot Daly continues at full-back, one of nine internationals in the starting fifteen.
The bench carries real firepower as the Investec Player of the Match against Clermont Auvergne Hugh Tizard, is involved along with Test Lion Ben Earl. Alex Lozowski also returns from a long injury layoff and is set for his first Saracens appearance in 37 weeks.
There is also an opportunity for Alex O’Driscoll to make his European debut after impressing in the recent PREM Cup block, the prop who also combines his Saracens time with a degree at Loughborough University, will be looking to show his quality on the biggest stage.
Prediction: Given the Sharks' struggles this season, Saracens are seen as slight favourites, though the return of the Springbok contingent provides a significant boost for the home side. The Sharks will also rely on their home crowd and the Durban conditions, while Saracens will need to manage potential jet lag.
Teams:
Hollywoodbets Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Ethan Hooker, 12 Andre Esterhuizen (c), 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 George Whitehead, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Phatu Ganyane. Replacements: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 18 Mawande Mdanda, 19 Marvin Orie, 20 Matt Romao, 21 Nick Hatton, 22 Jaden Hendrikse, 23 Jordan Hendrikse.
Saracens: 15 Elliot Daly, 14 Rotimi Segun, 13 Sam Spink, 12 Olly Hartley, 11 Angus Hall, 10 Fergus Burke, 9 Charlie Bracken, 8 Tom Willis, 7 Andy Onyeama-Christie (c), 6 Theo McFarland, 5 Harry Wilson, 4 Nick Isiekwe, 3 Marco Riccioni, 2 Theo Dan, 1 Eroni Mawi. Replacements: 16 James Hadfield, 17 Alex O Driscoll, 18 Marcus Street, 19 Hugh Tizard, 20 Nathan Michelow, 21 Ben Earl, 22 Gareth Simpson, 23 Alex Lozowski.