The Hollywoodbets Sharks team to play the DHL Stormers in a Vodacom United Rugby Championship match in Cape Town has been bolstered for the second-round, return leg derby on Saturday.
The forward trio of hooker Dylan Richardson, lock Emile van Heerden and eighthman Siya Kolisi have all been passed fit after withdrawing from the match late last week, the Bok skipper leads the Hollywoodbets Sharks this weekend.
In other changes, Ethan Hooker shifts from centre to wing to accommodate the absence of Makazole Mapimpi, with the highly-rated, exciting Jurenzo Julius getting a start after wearing the number 23 jersey last week.
“For us, this week was about getting a few bodies back for this match,” explained head coach John Plumtree. “We had eight forwards out from the pack against the Vodacom Bulls but the nice thing about coming back from England and getting a win against them is that the boys will go into this game with a bit of confidence.
“Going down to Cape Town and beating the Stormers isn’t an easy task, but we’re looking forward to it.”
Missing so many players last week proved to be a major challenge, but the role and contribution of senior team members must never be underestimated. Once again, they will be called upon to provide guidance and motivation.
“The leaders are doing a good job, demanding standards and even when the chips are down, someone has to step up, and they do,” Plumtree concluded.
Hollywoodbets Sharks:
- Ox Nche
- Dylan Richardson
- Vincent Koch
- Jason Jenkins
- Emile van Heerden
- Phepsi Buthelezi
- Emmanuel Tshituka
- Siya Kolisi ( C )
- Jaden Hendrikse
- Jordan Hendrikse
- Ethan Hooker
- Andre Esterhuizen
- Jurenzo Julius
- Yaw Penxe
- Aphelele Fassi
Replacements:
16. Francois Venter
17. Bryce Calvert
18. Ruan Dreyer
19. Trevor Nyakane
20. Corne Rahl
21. Nicholas Hatton
22. Bradley Davids
23. Siya Masuku