Sharks pumped to take a bite out of Ospreys

The wait is over.

The Hollywoodbets Sharks launch their Vodacom United Rugby Championship campaign at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday afternoon, marking the first time in the tournament’s history that the Sharks open their campaign on home soil.

And as a new season begins, so too does a new chapter for the Hollywoodbets Sharks - One Badge. One Team.

With a full pre-season block behind them, the squad has had valuable time to build connection, sharpen their conditioning and develop cohesion, providing the ideal platform from which to launch the 2026/27 campaign.

Head coach JP Pietersen has selected an exciting matchday 23 that brings together experience, emerging talent and a wealth of big-game knowledge. With the foundations laid during pre-season, the focus now turns to taking that work onto the field and setting the standard from the very first whistle.

For captain Nick Hatton, there is something particularly special about starting the season at home.

“The start of the season is really exciting and playing at home for a change is really cool,” he explains.

“All the teams want to start well, whether that’s at home or away but playing at home is super exciting. We have awesome fans and we’ve missed them, so we’re looking forward to playing in front of our home supporters.”

And with a long and demanding season ahead, Hatton knows that consistency, depth and collective effort will be key.

“The VURC is a long tournament, so squad strength and depth are really important. We’ve worked really hard during the pre-season and there is competition for places while building a strong squad that can compete in this competition and in Europe.

“Starting well and then just sticking to it is important. We want to be a team that’s consistent, a team that trains and performs to a high standard – a Hollywoodbets Sharks standard that we’re driving really hard.

“We’re really excited to implement that on the field now.”

Hollywoodbets Sharks starting XV: 15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Murray Koster, 11 Litelihle Bester; 10 Vusi Moyo, 9 Jaden Hendrikse; 8 Nick Hatton (capt), 7 Manu Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi; 5 Darrien Landsberg, 4 Corne Rahl; 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Eduan Swart, 1 Phatu Ganyane. Replacements: 16 Esethu Mnebelele, 17 Nemo Roelofse, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Jason Jenkins, 20 Matt Romao, 21 Ivan van Zyl, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Zekhethelo Siyaya.

SATURDAY

Hollywoodbets Sharks v Ospreys @ Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban – KO 3pm IRE & UK/4pm ITA & SA

Referee: Gianluca Gnecchi (FIR, 49th league game)

AR 1: Griffin Colby (SARU) AR 2: Dylen November (SARU)

TMO: Fillipo Russo (FIR)

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