Sharks target Stormers double

The return-leg Vodacom United Rugby Championship derby match between the Hollywoodbets Sharks and DHL Stormers takes place at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday with the Durban side looking to pull off a stunning double over the previously unbeaten Cape side.

There’s a new front row for this match amongst a handful of changes to the side, Ox Nche, Fez Mbatha and Hanro Jacobs all start, as does Corne Rahl, ahead of Jason Jenkins who has been listed amongst the replacements.

Phepsi Buthelezi remains the only loose-forward who started last week, he’s joined by Siya Kolisi and Vincent Tshituka who both played off the bench last week.

The backline sees Grant Williams starting ahead of Jaden Hendrikse, the pair swapping jerseys for this match and Edwill van der Merwe replacing Yaw Penxe on the wing in the final change to the starting XV.

Captain Andre Esterhuizen acknowledges that despite last week’s bonus point victory over the Stormers, they are not getting ahead of themselves as they focus on this second match against their coastal rivals.

“We have a lot to improve on, we are working hard, but to know there is so much improvement ahead of us after the win last weekend is a good sign that we are on the right path,” he admits.

“Last week was a tough and brutal game but that’s a South African derby and you have to get up for everyone. We’re all in the right mindset, knowing that we can’t just give a once-off performance like that, we must back it up this weekend again.”

As the last game before a break, he explains that his team will be leaving nothing out there in their quest to take back-to-back victories over the Stormers.

“Everyone wants to go into that break in a good way; there is massive motivation for this weekend.”

Aligned with his appointment as captain, the team’s fortunes have also picked up. While he is quick to credit a changed mindset under coach JP Pietersen, Esterhuizen’s lead-by-example play cannot be ignored.

“I’m getting used to the role and enjoying leading the team and with the backing of the boys and coaching staff, that makes it so much easier.

“I’m a big believer that you can’t tell someone to do something you wouldn’t do yourself.”

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

DHL Stormers starting XV: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Jonathan Roche, 11 Leolin Zas; 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (capt), 9 Cobus Reinach; 8 Evan Roos, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Paul de Villiers; 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 Adré Smith; 3 Neethling Fouché, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 1 Oli Kebble. Replacements: 16 JJ Kotzé, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Zachary Porthen, 19 JD Schickerling, 20 Marcel Theunissen, 21 Stefan Ungerer, 22 Jurie Matthee, 23 Warrick Gelant.

SATURDAY

Hollywoodbets Sharks v DHL Stormers

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

Referee: Christopher Allison (SARU, 7th league game)

AR 1: Griffin Colby (SARU) AR 2: Jonathan Lottering (SARU)

TMO: Quinton Immelman (SARU)

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