The Hollywoodbets Sharks welcome back a few players to balance those lost to injury as they turn their focus to the Vodacom United Rugby Championship and their week 10 clash with Cardiff Rugby at Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday (kick-off 7.15pm).
Two of South Africa’s most exciting talents get the opportunity to showcase their potential as a match-winning midfield partnership with head coach John Plumtree having paired Ethan Hooker and Jurenzo Julius as the starting inside and outside centres for this match.
Vincent Tshituka is back in action and captain’s the team. A shortage of locks due to injury sees Tshituka starting in the second row instead of his customary loose-forward role. With the front row remaining intact, there is only one other change to the pack where Nick Hatton comes in for Siya Kolisi (who is on a mandatory Springbok rest period) at No 8.
There are also welcome returns for wing Makazole Mapimpi and Jordan Hendrikse, the latter to start at fullback.
Having turned the focus back to the VURC, hooker Bongi Mbonambi is positive about the preparations for Saturday’s game and his team’s prospects for this match.
“The weather has been a tad better in Cardiff than we experienced in Bordeaux, a few degrees warmer, although we’re missing the sunny weather back at home in Durban,” he explained.
“We’ve put the disappointment of the Bordeaux game behind us and we’re now focusing on the URC, knowing that this week we have a tough task ahead of us, especially coming off a defeat to Bordeaux. We know we have a lot of work so that we can come back home with a win on tour.
“This is a big game against a quality side, we expect a tough clash against a side doing really well in the competition, but we look forward to making our fans proud on Saturday night.”
Hollywoodbets Sharks starting XV: 15 Jordan Hendrikse, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Ethan Hooker, 11 Makazole Mapimpi; 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Grant Williams; 8 Nick Hatton, 7 Emmanuel Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi; 5 Jason Jenkins, 4 Vincent Tshituka (capt); 3 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu. Replacements: 16 Ethan Bester, 17 Ruan Dreyer, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Deon Slabbert, 20 Lappies Labuschagne, 21 Jaden Hendrikse, 22 Francois Venter, 23 Lukhanyo Am.
Players not considered for selection due to injury: Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Braam Reyneke, Corne Rahl, Eben Etzebeth, Emile van Heerden, Fez Mbatha, Gerbrandt Grobler, Hakeem Kunene, James Venter, Khwezi Mona, Marnus Potgieter, Ox Nche.
SATURDAY
Cardiff Rugby v Hollywoodbets Sharks
Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff – KO 5.15pm IRE & UK/6.15pm ITA/7.15pm SA
Referee: Mike Adamson (SRU, 87th league game)
AR 1: Mike English (WRU) AR 2: Gwyn Morris (WRU)
TMO: Andrew McMenemy (SRU)
Live on: S4C, SuperSport, Premier Sports, Flo Rugby & URC.tv
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