Etzebeth returns for the Sharks' clash with Connacht

The Hollywoodbets Sharks’ campaign in the EPCR Challenge Cup knock-outs takes them to Western Ireland and a date with Connacht in the Round of 16 on Friday evening (9pm).

Connacht, currently in ninth position on the Vodacom United Rugby Championship log, one place above the Sharks, come off a five-match winning streak heading into this match taking place in Galway at 9pm on Friday.

Champions in 2023/24, the Sharks became the first South African club to win a major European rugby competition, making history when they defeated Gloucester 36-22 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.

For loose forward Nick Hatton, this match has all the elements a rugby player (and fan) could ask for: eager anticipation, enthusiasm, respect and exhilaration at the opportunity to progress to the quarter-finals next weekend.

“We’re really excited for this game, it’s knock-out rugby and we know we need to win to progress further in the tournament,” he said on arrival in Ireland.

“We’re excited for this opportunity, but we know it’s not an easy place to go play. However, we believe in our systems and we also believe we have a good chance to do something special there.

“We know it will be tough there but it is always tough against Connacht. However, we’re really up for this exciting challenge.”

Despite the short turnaround for a Friday night game, the Sharks managed to get on the training pitch at Hollywoodbets Kings Park before leaving Durban on Tuesday evening for a Wednesday arrival.

“We had a good few days of prep in Durban and the boys are ready to go.”

With the demands that two tournaments take, the mental and physical toll, it’s not enough to have a good starting XV or even match 23.

The squad depth has to be sufficient to be able to draw from a sizable, talented pool to spread resources.

“We know it’s going to take a team and squad effort, because these two competitions demand a strong squad on both fronts,” he explained.

“So we’re looking forward to what we can put out on Friday night.

“We’ll be giving everything to get the result in our favour.”

Head coach JP Pietersen has balanced his side and brought energy into his squad as he looks to build equilibrium given the injury toll, the test of squad depth and the need to be competitive in the coming weeks as they face a daunting away schedule.

“Injuries test the character of the squad but it gives the next guy in the squad an opportunity,” Pietersen explains. “It’s a test of how you bounce back as a group.”

Despite the severe injury toll, as well as the demands on the team and the fight for the knockouts in both the URC and the EPCR Challenge Cup, Pietersen has been able to name a strong Hollywoodbets Sharks team for Friday’s match.

“We’ve got some reinforcements back, Eben (Etzebeth) is now available and hopefully his return is a big help for us.”

Hatton remains at eighthman to captain a side that has 13 changes to the starting line-up, although Springboks Ox Nche, Vincent Koch (in the front row), Etzebeth (lock) and wing Edwill van der Merwe will all add experience and presence to the side, along with another Rugby World Cup winner in Makazole Mapimpi who is the only other player to have started for the Sharks in their victory over Cardiff last week.

Vincent Tshituka and Ethan Hooker add further international pedigree off the bench.

Hollywoodbets Sharks starting XV: 15 Hakeem Kunene, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Le Roux Malan, 12 Marnus Potgieter, 11 Makazole Mapimpi; 10 Jean Smith, 9 Ross Braude; 8 Nick Hatton (capt), 7 Jannes Potgieter, 6 Tino Mavesere; 5 Deon Slabbert, 4 Eben Etzebeth; 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Eduan Swart, 1 Ox Nche. Replacements: 16 Ethan Bester, 17 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 18 Mawande Mdanda, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Vincent Tshituka, 21 Ceano Everson, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Ethan Hooker.

Connacht v Hollywoodbets Sharks - Friday @ Dexcom Stadium, Connacht (9pm)

Referee: Sam Grove-White (Scotland)

TV: SuperSport