Vodacom United Rugby Championship action resumes this weekend with the Hollywoodbets Sharks travelling to Joburg to take on the Emirates Lions in their second-round clash on Saturday afternoon (3pm kick-off).
This is an important game for the Durban side as they look to show their potential against their old foes.
“This is a proud place, a proud rugby province and we go into every game looking to represent this badge to the best of our abilities,” explained Sharks defence coach Joey Mongalo in the build-up to the game.
“We want to see how far up (the table) we can finish, we want to challenge ourselves to climb from where we are at the moment and the way we do that is to continue to fight, to put in performances we can be proud of, that are the result of the efforts we put in during the week.”
Although there have been some tough times for the Sharks in this season’s URC tournament, the players have come together to change that.
“We’re in a space where the players are so connected to one another, we know that they can look each other in the eye and say, ‘we stuck together’. We’re in a tough stage, a transition period and this is a time for us to show our courage and commitment. We want people to see that there is hope and ambition in this team, we want to be sure we represent ourselves well and to acknowledge our supporters.
“There’s enough evidence to show that this group is going somewhere and we take encouragement from that. Hopefully we will take steps forward and the close losses we’ve suffered this season will become wins. That will help to build confidence and take us towards where we want to be.”
Rugby World Cup winner Bongi Mbonambi captains the side in the absence of Lukhanyo Am, with the highly rated young Ethan Hooker taking Am’s place at outside centre, with George Cronje back in the side, Grant Williams and Siya Masuku partnering at half-back and Eduan Keyter also named amongst an exciting back three that features Aphiwe Dyanti and Aphelele Fassi.
Sharks starting XV: 15 Aphelele Fassi (Dale College), 14 Eduan Keyter (Affies), 13 Ethan Hooker (Westville Boys High), 12 Francois Venter (Grey College), 11 Aphiwe Dyantyi (Dale College); 10 Siya Masuka (Piet Retief High School), 9 Grant Williams (Paarl Gym); 8 George Cronje (Grey College), 7 Vincent Tshituka (Northcliff), 6 James Venter (Glenwood); 5 Gerbrandt Grobler (Affies), 4 Corne Rahl (Hoer Landbouskool Oakdale); 3 Coenie Oosthuizen (Grey College), 2 Bongi Mbonambi (capt) (St Albans), 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu (Martizburg College). Replacements: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Khwezi Mona, 19 Jeandre Labuschagne, 20 Tino Mavesere, 21 Phepsi Buthelezi, 22 Tiaan Fourie, 23 Curwin Bosch.
Lions starting XV: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Richard Kriel, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Marius Louw (capt), 11 Edwill van der Merwe; 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Sanele Nohamba; 8 Francke Horn, 7 Ruan Venter, 6 JC Pretorius; 5 Darrien Landsberg, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen; 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 PJ Botha, 1 JP Smith. Replacements: 16 Jaco Visagie, Corne Fourie, Conraad van Vuuren, Reinhard Nothnagel, Emmanuel Tshituka, Hanru Sirgel, Morne van den Berg, Erich Cronje.
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