The 2023/24 Vodacom United Rugby Championship season comes to a close for the Hollywoodbets Sharks when they host the Vodacom Bulls at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday afternoon at 16:10.
After being crowned EPCR Challenge Cup champions last week, there is one final challenge the Hollywoodbets Sharks face, in what will be a physically intense clash against the old foe in this local derby.
There is much riding on the outcome of this match for the Pretoria side who are currently sitting in second place on the URC log, with the potential to top the table should log leaders Munster succumb to fellow Irish side Ulster in their final clash.
With Leinster and Glasgow Warriors breathing down their necks, a loss could consign the Bulls to fourth place and that is not what they will accept, which all makes for a tantalising derby.
While opting to rest some of his players, Hollywoodbets Sharks head coach John Plumtree has retained a number of players who featured in last week’s historic final in an effort to keep some continuity going.
Plumtree will be urging his players to give it one last mighty effort before the coaching team and players get to enjoy a much-deserved rest following their exertions in the two competitions over the last seven months.
“It’s important for us to sign off on a positive note,” said Plumtree.
“It’s also a massive challenge for us because we’ve only just got back and our week’s prep has been compromised. We also put a lot of energy and effort into winning the Challenge Cup with a lot of travel, having spent four of the last six weeks away from home.
“I have a team that’s pretty knackered, we do have some injuries but it’s important that in our last game, in front of our home crowd, we go out there and put on a performance that everyone enjoys.”
Hollywoodbets Sharks: 1. Ox Nche, 2. Bongi Mbonambi, 3. Vincent Kock, 4. Corne Rahl, 5. Gerbrandt Grobler, 6. James Venter, 7. Vincent Tshituka, 8. Phepsi Buthelezi, 9. Cameron Wright, 10. Siya Masuku, 11. Eduan Keyter, 12. Francois Venter (c), 13. Ethan Hooker, 14. Werner Kok, 15. Aphelele Fassi. Replacements: 16. Fez Mbatha, 17. Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18. Khwezi Mona, 19. Jeandre Labuschagne, 20. Dylan Richardson, 21. Bradley Davids, 22. Boeta Chamberlain, 23. Diego Appollis.