As 2024 approaches, there's a packed schedule of more derby delights over the New Year weekend, with seven big URC games across Italy, Scotland, South Africa, Wales and Ireland all lined up to entertain rugby fans across the UK live on Viaplay.
In Cape Town, the DHL Stormers will host the Hollywoodbets Sharks at the DHL Stadium on Saturday at 19:00 (SA Time)
The DHL Stormers will be mindful of the fact a resurgence in the second half of the tournament could see them participate in the playoffs and give them a chance to have another shot at the title.
DHL Stormers head coach John Dobson made two changes to his starting line-up. Scarra Ntubeni starts at hooker in the only change to the starting forward pack, while the only change to the backline sees Dan du Plessis make his return from injury at inside centre.
There are a few changes on the replacements bench with forwards Hendre Stassen and Marcel Theunissen included this week, while scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies makes his return from injury and utility back Jurie Matthee is set for his first Vodacom United Rugby Championship appearance.
DHL Stormers Head Coach John Dobson paid tribute to Scarra Ntubeni, who will reach 100 DHL Stormers caps, making his debut back in 2011 and has never played for another team.
“It’s an incredible achievement when you consider the injury setbacks Scarra has had in his career. He is a top player and a special person who has been a favourite of the Faithful for many years. We are incredibly proud of him and hopefully, we can all make it memorable for him.
“The support we got last week was phenomenal and really lifted the team, so everyone is looking forward to another special occasion at DHL Stadium on Saturday,” he said.
The Hollywoodbets Sharks will take the field with a sense of desperation to sway their fortunes in the competition, after bagging only one win in their opening seven matches, and with their backs against the wall, they will play with the attitude that they have nothing to lose, but rather everything to gain.
Head coach John Plumtree has largely stuck to the same team he has named over the last number of fixtures, and with an extra week’s break since their last outing, will be looking for an explosive, high-intensity performance from his charges.
There are three changes to the starting line-up, with Emile van Heerden back to replace Le Roux Roets, while Jeandre “Lappies” Labuschagne comes in at flank, meaning a shift to eighthman for Phepsi Buthelezi in place of Sikhumbuzo Notshe.
Plumtree has made just one change to the backline, Jaden Hendrikse getting a start with Grant Williams playing off the bench in a straight jersey swap.
Fans will also get to see 27-year-old Joel Hintz for the first time in a Hollywoodbets Sharks jersey. The New Zealand prop was brought over to Durban as front row cover from 2020 National Provincial Championship title-holders Hawke’s Bay, while he has also turned out for the New England Free Jacks in Major League Rugby in the USA.
George Cronje returns to action in the penultimate change, with Boeta Chamberlain completing the rotation, taking over from Lionel Cronje.
Teams:
DHL Stormers: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Paul de Wet, 8 Hacjivah Dayimani, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Deon Fourie (captain), 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 Adre Smith, 3 Neethling Fouche, 2 Scarra Ntubeni, 1 Sti Sithole. Replacements: 16 Andre-Hugo Venter, 17 Ali Vermaak, 18 Brok Harris, 19 Hendre Stassen, 20 Marcel Theunissen, 21 Willie Engelbrecht, 22 Herschel Jantjies, 23 Jurie Matthee.
Hollywoodbets Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Lukhanyo Am (captain), 12 Francois Venter, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Lappies Labuschagne, 6 James Venter, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 1 Ox Nche. Replacements: 16 Daniel Jooste, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Joel Hintz, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 George Cronje, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Boeta Chamberlain, 23 Ethan Hooker.
