Sharks know there is no room for error against Munster

The Vodacom United Rugby Championship is hotting up with knock-out places still up for grabs as the teams jockey positions in the final few rounds remaining.

This weekend is the ideal opportunity for a proud and ambitious Hollywoodbets Sharks side intent on climbing up the ladder when they host the 2022/23 Vodacom United Rugby Championship titleholders Munster at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday (5pm).

After a short break to accommodate the Six Nations, the action returns and Sharks flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse explains that it’s been a productive time for his team.

“Having a week off gave us the opportunity to reflect on the last two games, what we lacked was no executing the things we wanted to, our kicking game, intensity, not being up physically and those are things we did well against the DHL Stormers but lacked in the following two games.

“We’ve reflected well and taken accountability and we’ve prepped well for the game.”

The last time the two teams met was an historic knock-out game, also at Hollywoodbets Kings Park and Hendrikse obviously has memories of that game.

“Definitely,” he admits. “It was the first penalty shoot-out ever in the competition, that was a stand-out memory. But it’s personal for them, they haven’t forgotten the stuff that went on and they’ll be up for this one.

“For us, it’s important where we are on the log.”

Munster have always proved to be tough opposition and he expects nothing different on Saturday.

“We know they’re a team that never shies away from physicality, they’re always up for a challenge and they always stay in the fight. With new coaches coming in, they’ve also introduced new elements and variation to their game.

“So for us, it’s about prepping well. We know they will be a different side to last season and we know we have to be really good on the day to get the result.”

With the race to the eight now a focal point in the competition, Hendrikse is only too aware of the importance riding on the outcome of this game as they chase a top eight finish. But the pressure is not something they’ve highlighted.

“Our biggest focus is on being consistent, we had a consistent run against the DHL Stormers and then inconsistent against the Lions and Vodacom Bulls and we can’t afford any inconsistencies in our game and game model and what we’re good at.

“For us now, it’s about being consistent and taking our opportunities when they come. And being more clinical.

“From a pressure point of view, there will be more of that, but if we execute our plan and what we want to achieve on the day, and being consistent, then there shouldn’t be a problem.

“For us, the biggest thing is to get the result, getting us five points moves us up the log.

“We know we can’t mess up any more games.”

Head coach JP Pietersen has made eight changes to his team, including the return of Siya Kolisi to the starting line-up where the Bok captain earns his 50th cap.

There is also a rejig of the front row, with Phatu Ganyane, Fez Mbatha and Hanro Jacobs swapping jerseys with Ox Nche, Eduan Swart and Vincent Koch who started the last match.

Amongst the backs, Grant Williams starts in place of the injured Jaden Hendrikse, while Ethan Hooker is back to partner captain Andre Esterhuizen in the midfield and Yaw Penxe takes over from Edwill van der Merwe on the wing. In the final change, Hollywoodbets Sharks Under-21 star and new kid on the block for the Blitzbokke, Luan Giliomee, gets a start at fullback, replacing Jaco Williams.

This is an auspicious occasion for another Springbok – Makazole Mapimpi – who plays in his 100th cap for the Sharks on Saturday, joining an elite group of centurions to have worn the coveted Black and White jersey on 100 occasions or more.

While the immediate ambition for the team is to enjoy a successful outing against the Irish, the fight for a top eight finish remains a priority the team cannot lose sight of.

Hollywoodbets Sharks starting XV: 15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Ethan Hooker, 12 Andre Esterhuizen (capt), 11 Makazole Mapimpi; 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Grant Williams; 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Siya Kolisi; 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 Jean Smith, 23 Hakeen Kunene.

SATURDAY

Hollywoodbets Sharks v Munster Rugby

Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban – KO 3pm IRE & UK/4pm ITA/5pm SA

Referee: Sam Grove-White (SRU, 60th league game)

AR 1: Morne Ferreira (SARU) AR 2: Christopher Allison (SARU)

TMO: Hollie Davidson (SRU)

Live on: SuperSport, TG4, Premier Sports, Flo Rugby & URC.tv