Tonight’s clash between the Hollywoodbets Sharks and Welsh franchise, the Dragons, at Rodney Parade in Newport promises plenty of fireworks and action as the two teams go head-to-head in round two of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.
The last time the two teams met at the home of the Dragons, a try in the 87th minute saw the Hollywoodbets Sharks snatching victory from the jaws of defeat as they ran out 33-30 victors.
That was a vastly different side to this week, in fact, for both sides.
After finishing bottom of the 2024/25 VURC log, the Dragons have a new coach and have gone on an extensive recruitment drive for this season’s campaign. 15 players have left, retired or been released, while they have 17 new players in their squad.
“We’ve had a look at their recent games [against Scarlets and Ulster] and they’ve definitely strengthened their squad, so there is a new look about them,” said head coach John Plumtree of his analysis of the opposition this week.
“We do have an idea of how they’re going to play, it will be a tough challenge, the physical side of the game is going to be quite intense and they’re playing at home for the first time, so we have to meet fire with fire because we know how passionate they will be in front of their home crowd and we know how tough it is playing away in this part of the world.”
Plumtree has made only three changes to his side, all in the backline, while keeping the pack intact for the sake of continuity.
“I wanted the pack working together; it was the first time the lock combination was playing together, the same with the front rowers, so for me, it was just important to give them another opportunity, and I’m comfortable with the back row working together,” he explained.
“We decided to change nine and 10 based on the fact that we just didn’t really get our game going against Glasgow on attack the way we wanted to, and that was down to a new nine and Jaden Hendrikse playing out of position.
“The elements for this game are going to be pretty tough, and we want to go to two players who know our game a little bit better.”
Jean Smith comes into the starting XV as a recognised flyhalf, after Jaden Hendrikse was temporarily shifted from scrumhalf to 10 last week in the absence of the injured trio of Smith, Siya Masuku and Jordan Hendrikse, and Plumtree has high hopes for the 22-year-old, the son of Glasgow coach Franco Smith and a former SA Under 20 Junior Bok.
“Along with Jaden, I’d like to see him control our game. His decision-making around whether to run or kick is going to be important for us. He has the natural instincts of a fly-half, which I really like. He played really well in the Carling Currie Cup.
“But we know this is going to be a bit of a step up in terms of intensity, so it’s a really good opportunity for him and to see how much he’s grown in our environment over the last couple of years.”
Plumtree is also excited about the players who have come in or been moved around the backline, explaining: “Jurenzo comes back after a couple of injuries in the pre-season. He has a number of teachers around him, the likes of Lukhanyo Am, Swys Venter and Andre Esterhuizen, so he’s picking up a lot, and quickly.
“And Edwill plays fullback after losing Yaw Penxe. I looked at Edwill as a fullback even before he came to us. I thought it would be a good spot for him; he’s a smart rugby player, he can kick the ball long, and he’s excellent in the aerial game. At 29, he’s been around for a while, so he understands the role from a defensive point of view, working with the wingers, and I’m looking forward to seeing how he goes.”