Sharks focused on downing Ospreys

The Hollywoodbets Sharks will take continuity into their Round 17 Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash with Ospreys at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Friday night at 7pm.

Head coach John Plumtree has largely stuck with the team that defeated Ulster 22-19 in Belfast two weeks ago as he makes just three changes to his side for this match.

There’s just the one change to the pack with Dian Bleuler coming in for Ox Nche (who is ill) at loosehead prop, while Siya Masuku replaces Jordan Hendrikse at flyhalf and Jurenzo Julius takes over from Lukhanyo Am at outside centre.

Francois Venter and Yaw Penxe take their places on the bench.

After two vital overseas wins in successive weekends, the Sharks on fourth place on the log, seven ahead of Cardiff who face the rampant Vodacom Bulls at Loftus on Saturday.

The Durban side need just three log points from the final two weekends to ensure a home quarter and semi-final (should they make the last four) but in this penultimate round will be looking for a full house of log points to nail down a top four place – or higher should other results go their way.

Not to be distracted with other matches, the Sharks will have as their focus their own preparation and performances, leaving other results to take care of themselves.

Players not available for selection due to injury or illness: Corne Rahl, Dylan Richardson, Emile van Heerden, Gerbrandt Grobler, Grant Williams, Henry Immelman, Hendrikse, Am, Marnus Potgieter, Nche, Ruan Dryer and Trevor Nyakane.

Hollywoodbets Sharks starting XV: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi; 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Jaden Hendrikse; 8 Siya Kolisi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 James Venter; 5 Jason Jenkins, 4 Eben Etzebeth (capt); 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Dian Bleuler. Replacements: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Emmanuel Tshituka, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Francois Venter, 23 Yaw Penxe.

FRIDAY

Hollywoodbets Sharks v Ospreys

Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban – KO 6pm IRE & UK/7pm ITA & SA

Referee: Gianluca Gnecchi (FIR, 40th league game)

AR 1: Morne Ferreira (SARU) AR 2: Hanru van Rooyen (SARU)

TMO: Andrea Piardi (FIR)

Live on: SuperSport, BBC Wales, Premier Sports, Flo Rugby & URC.tv