The Hollywoodbets Sharks and Cardiff will both be playing for pride on Saturday in Durban at 18:15 (SA Time), after being knocked out of the playoff race. The two teams are tied on 25 log points, although the Durbanites are ahead of the Welsh side by one place on the standings in 12th place, and it could prove to be a spectacle.
Neither team can advance beyond 12th place on the standings this season given their log points, but the winner will finish the round in the higher ranking, which will serve as an extra motivational force following their defeats last week.
Spicing things up, the teams are not far off from one another in terms of points scored and conceded, meaning it could be a tight match.
The Hollywoodbets Sharks side named to take on Cardiff in the closing stages of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday afternoon is reflective of the union’s dual commitments.
With next weekend’s EPCR Challenge Cup Final against Gloucester in London, the Hollywoodbets Sharks side for this week’s match against the Welsh is a much-changed side, while the rest of the squad makes the trip north in preparation for the big final.
The emphasis this season has been on a squad effort, rather than separate teams for different competitions and the players who receive this opportunity have been part of the training squad throughout.
They now get the chance to shine, having contributed positively and invaluably over the course of the last two campaigns. Their inclusion also adds depth for the future.
Cardiff and the Hollywoodbets Sharks have both accumulated 25 log points, with the Durban side keen to put in a good showing in this, their penultimate home game of the tournament.
“We’ve given guys an opportunity to put their hands up and play well, to give the team that goes to Gloucester good momentum going forward,” explains Hollywoodbets Sharks defence coach Joey Mongalo.
“Hopefully the way these guys account of themselves is a true reflection of where we are and how far we’ve come as a collective.”
Reniel Hugo leads the team against a side that Mongalo warns need to be respected.
“They have specific individuals who have good ‘defenders beaten’ stats which we’ve looked at, and that comes from a good set-piece. So, if your set-piece is dominant, the defence is going backwards and you’re going forwards, you’re likely to gain momentum and line-breaks.
“Even though they’ve lost games, the losing margin has been narrow, even against top sides. They’re a solid unit and will want to impose their game on the opposition.”
Matt Sherratt has made nine changes following Cardiff's last week’s loss to Emirates Lions, the head coach has refreshed and reshuffled his side for the Kings’ Park encounter.
There are five changes in the pack, with Corey Domachowski, captain Liam Belcher and Rhys Litterick stepping up from the bench.
Shane Lewis-Hughes is also handed a starting opportunity and partners Rory Thornton, with Ben Donnell moving into the back-row. James Botham continues at open side with Alun Lawrence given the number eight jersey.
A further four changes come in the backs with Ellis Bevan replacing the injured Gonzalo Bertranou to partner Ben Thomas, who moves to 10. Sherratt has opted for experience in the centre with Willis Halaholo and Rey Lee-Lo reunited.
Josh Adams also returns to fitness and combines with Cam Winnett and Gabriel Hamer-Webb in the back three.
Matt Sherratt said: “We have changed things up a bit this week to re-energise the group. It’s always a big physical challenge in South Africa, so we have rotated some of the pack, while Willis, Rey and Josh Adams provide real experience to the back-line.”
Cardiff have won their two previous encounters against the Sharks, a 23-17 victory at the Arms Park in 2021 and a 30-0 triumph in Durban last season, but Sherratt expects a formidable challenge.
He continued: “We have some positive memories against the Sharks but they are a formidable outfit, with a huge amount of depth - whoever they pick, they will be a quality outfit.
“They play an exciting brand of rugby with a dangerous kick return and transition but it is all built on the solid foundations of a big, powerful and dynamic pack of forwards.
“So it is a big challenge for us but we are determined to finish out the season in a positive fashion. We have two games left where we can give a good last impression and I have no doubt the boys will give their everything come kick-off.”
There is further experience and firepower on the bench, with last week’s front row selected to provide an impact along with Seb Davies and Mackenzie Martin.
With three scrum-halves sidelined, Tinus de Beer provides the scrum-half cover, while Mason Grady and Jacob Beetham complete the replacements.
Teams:
Hollywoodbets Sharks: 15 Boeta Chamberlain, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Diego Appollis, 12 Eduan Keyter, 11 Aphiwe Dyantyi, 10 Lionel Cronje, 9 Tiaan Fourie, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Simon Miller, 6 Tino Mavesere, 5 Reniel Hugo (c), 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Khwezi Mona, 2 Dylan Richardson, 1 Dian Bleuler. Replacements: 16 Dan Jooste, 17 Braam Reyneke, 18 IG Prinsloo, 19 Thomas Dyer, 20 Nick Hatton, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Curwin Bosch, 23 Anthony Volmink.
Cardiff Rugby: 15 Cameron Winnett, 14 Josh Adams, 13 Rey Lee-Lo, 12 Willis Halaholo, 11 Gabriel Hamer-Webb, 10 Ben Thomas, 9 Ellis Bevan, 8 Alun Lawrence, 7 James Botham, 6 Ben Donnell, 5 Rory Thornton, 4 Shane Lewis-Hughes, 3 Rhys Litterick, 2 Liam Belcher (c), 1 Corey Domachowski. Replacements: 16 Evan Lloyd, 17 Rhys Carré, 18 Keiron Assiratti, 19 Seb Davies, 20 Mackenzie Martin, 21 Tinus de Beer, 22 Jacob Beetham, 23 Mason Grady.
