Sharks keen to take a bite out of Ospreys

Vodacom United Rugby Championship rugby returns after a fortnight break, with everything to play for in the final four rounds of the pool stages as the Hollywoodbets Sharks travel to Wales to take on the Ospreys on Saturday evening.

“The mood in the camp is really good,” said captain Andre Esterhuizen ahead of the team’s departure to Wales.

“We know we’re building something here and we know we basically need to win four out of four games to stand a chance to get into the top 8. The group is really motivated, we’ve had good chats, good training sessions and we’re looking forward to the challenge ahead.

“We haven’t been the best on the road this year but that’s something we’re looking to rectify. We know we can play, we have the squad to do that and it’s about doing that every single weekend.”

Esterhuizen pointed out that the key message for the team is about consistency, because “That’s something we’ve lacked this season. We’re driving consistency in performance and we know if we perform well, we have a good chance of winning these matches. It’s a mindset thing, you need to be switched on for every game, because this is a tough competition and you can lose at any point if you aren’t at your best every game”.

Looking at Ospreys, he warns that this match is going to be every bit as tough as any URC clash the team will face.

“They’re a tough side, especially at home. They play a lot of rugby, they’re physical, they have a nice attacking style of rugby and they’re a side that likes to move the ball around, so we’re looking forward to that challenge.”

Esterhuizen leads a well-rounded match 23, one in which head coach JP Pietersen has had no hesitation in handing the talented 18-year-old Zekhethelo Siyaya a first start at fullback, also welcoming back a number of stalwarts set to feature in this match.

Hollywoodbets Sharks starting XV: 15 Zekhethelo Siyaya, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Le Roux Malan, 12 Andre Esterhuizen (capt), 11 Ethan Hooker; 10 Jean Smith, 9 Jaden Hendrikse; 8 Manu Tshituka, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi; 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins; 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Phatu Ganyane. Replacements: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Nick Hatton, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Jurenzo Julius.

SATURDAY

Ospreys v Hollywoodbets Sharks

Electric Brewery Field, Bridgend – KO 7.45pm IRE & UK/8.45pm ITA & SA

Referee: Mike Adamson (SRU, 97th league game)

AR 1: Craig Evans (WRU) AR 2: Marcus Caudle (WRU)

TMO: Andrew McMenemy (SRU)

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