The Hollywoodbets Sharks XV close out the Carling Currie Cup pool stages on Friday evening when they host the Vodacom Bulls at Hollywoodbets Kings Park in a match in which the two teams have contrasting ambitions.
For the Pretoria side, this has been a tough campaign, but the five bonus points they have accrued in their six defeats suggest that they were always competitive during a disappointing campaign.
“It’s another tough one; in this Carling Currie Cup, there are no easy games,” admits Hollywoodbets Sharks XV head coach Mike Vowles.
“But we are looking forward to playing at the Tank. It’s a real privilege to play there.
“We’ll be up for it!”
His team certainly have everything to play for. A full house bonus point win would elevate them meaningfully up the table and with a semi-final berth up for grabs, they will relish the opportunity of following up last week’s 80-minute performance with another big effort in their first game at home, having played their local fixtures serving the communities of KwaMashu and Pietermaritzburg respectively.
Vowles has the good fortune of having continuity on his side, making just one change to last week’s starting line-up where Hanu Pieterse returns, playing at eighthman with Tino Mavasere moving to the side of the scrum as he takes over from Jean-Henri Smit at flank.
Hollywoodbets Sharks XV
1. Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka
2. Liam van Wyk
3. Simphiwe Ngobese
4. Johan Momsen
5. Deon Slabbert
6. Tino Mavesere
7. Meno Barnard
8. Hanu Pieterse
9. Ross Braude (c)
10. Tim Swiel
11. Khuthi Rasivhaga
12. Janco Purchase
13. Lyle Matthews
14. Christie Grobbelaar
15. Luan Giliomee
Replacements
16. Jacques Marais
17. Jaco du Toit
18. Dian Heunis
19. Danio Botha
20. Wasi Vyambwera
21. Juan Loots
22. Siya Masuku
23. Albie Bester
