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Sharks target another champion's scalp

Writer's picture: Sharks RugbySharks Rugby

The Hollywoodbets Sharks will look to add to their tally of wins over Vodacom United Rugby Championship title-holders when they host the DHL Stormers at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday (5pm kick-off).

To do this requires a monumental effort against the 2021/22 champions but home victories over last year’s winners Glasgow Warriors backed up victory over Munster who won the previous year puts the Durban side on a strong trajectory to make it three from three.

Head coach John Plumtree has upped the ante in this regard, demonstrating his willingness to select the strongest team possible with a strong contingent of test match players.

Back in the side are props Ox Nche and Vincent Koch, Scottish international Dylan Richardson, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi who will captain the side in the absence of the injured Eben Etzebeth, brothers Jaden and Jordan Hendrikse, try-scoring machine Makazole Mapimpi, Lukhanyo Am, Aphelele Fassi and Grant Williams.

Lock Jason Jenkins admits that his team is primed and ready for action this week after a break in the competition during the autumn internationals. He also acknowledges the value of making home ground advantage count, and to build a fortress that visiting teams find imposing.

“This weekend is huge for us; we’ve spoken as a squad about making Hollywoodbets Kings Park a special place where it’s tough for teams to play and come and win.

“The whole squad has bought into that, we’re all on the same page and it’s important that we keep the momentum that we have.

“To have three games in a row against the champions is exciting and winning this week will put us in the right place, on the front foot, with a game in hand.”

Casting his eye at the opposition, he acknowledges just what a battle they have ahead of them.

“Look, any local derby is tough, it’s always a bit personal and while we don’t have a good track record against them in the URC, we’ll be looking to change that.

“It’s going to be a big weekend for us, we know it’s going to be tough, we know what they bring, but we’re really looking forward to the game.”


Hollywoodbets Sharks starting XV: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi; 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Jaden Hendrikse; 8 Siya Kolisi (capt), 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 James Venter; 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Jason Jenkins; 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Dylan Richardson, 1 Ox Nche. Replacements: 16 Ethan Bester, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Trevor Nyakane, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Emmanuel Tshituka, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Jordan Hendrikse.

DHL Stormers starting XV: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Dan du Plessis (capt), 11 Leolin Zas; 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Herschel Jantjies; 8 Marcel Theunissen, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Dave Ewers; 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 JD Schickerling; 3 Neethling Fouche, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Ali Vermaak. Replacements: 16 Andre-Hugo Venter, 17 Brok Harris, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Adre Smith, 20 Keke Morabe, 21 Louw Nel, 22 Stefan Ungerer, 23 Manie Libbok.


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