Sharks change six for battle with WP

Friday night sees the Hollywoodbets Sharks XV host DHL Western Province in a Carling Currie Cup fifth round clash at Hollywoodbets Kings Park.

Both sides have used the tournament for the development of young players and with an eye on the future – both short and long term - to develop squad depth for the international club tournaments they both feature in.

Carling Currie Cup head coach JP Pietersen has made six changes and one positional switch to the team that went down bravely to the Suzuki Griquas who remain unbeaten at home this season.

The switch sees Jaco Williams return to wing after playing fullback last week, he replaces Paschal Ekeji, with Hakeem Kunene returning in the No 15 jersey.

Other backline changes see Jean Smith in for Vusi Moyo at flyhalf and hard-running wing Phikolomzi “PK” Sobahle returning after missing last week’s match, he takes over from Christie Grobbelaar on the other wing.

Amongst the forwards, Liam van Wyk comes in for Bryce Calvert at hooker, Coetzee le Roux Coetzee is back at lock, in for Gideon Koegelenberg and Tino Mavesere also returns to action, taking over from SA Under-20 star Matt Romao on the flank.

Friday’s clash at Hollywoodbets Kings Park kicks off at 7.10pm.

Hollywoodbets Sharks XV starting XV: 15 Hakeem Kunene, 14 Phiko Sobahle, 13 Diego Appollis, 12 Marnus Potgieter, 11 Jaco Williams; 10 Jean Smith, 9 Ceano Everson; 8 Nick Hatton (capt), 7 Bathobele Hlekani, 6 Tino Mavesere; 5 Deon Slabbert, 4 Coetzee le Roux; 3 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 2 Liam van Wyk, 1 Phatu Ganyane. Replacements: 16 Willem van den Hever, 17 Phiwayinkosi Kubheka, 18 Mawande Mdanda, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Jannes Potgieter, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Drico Marx, 23 Albie Bester.

DHL Western Province starting XV: 15 Tristan Leyds, 14 Jared Africa, 13 Gino Cupido, 12 Damian Markus, 11 Luke Burger; 10 Kyle Smith, 9 Ezekiel Ngobeni; 8 Louw Nel, 7 Riley Norton, 6 Paul de Villiers; 5 Gary Porter (capt), 4 Alex Groves; 3 Zachary Porthen, 2 Scarra Ntubeni, 1 Cabous Eloff. Replacements: 16 Luca Bakkes, 17 Oliver Reid, 18 Herman Lubbe, 19 Enos Ndiao, 20 De Wet Marais, 21 Asad Moos, 22 Ronald Brown, 23 Brendan Venter.

Hollywoodbets Sharks XV v DHL Western Province - Friday @ Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban (7.10pm)

Referee: Robbie Jenkinson

Broadcast: SuperSport