Sharks to unleash their Boks against Ulster

The big guns have been brought out for the first home game of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship as the Hollywoodbets Sharks look to unleash powerfully and emphatically against Ulster at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday.

Back from their heroics in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship and a break to revitalise energy levels are forwards Ox Nche, Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi who join fellow Boks Bongi Mbonambi and Vincent Koch after the pair played off the bench last week.

Scrumhalf Grant Williams and inside centre Andre Esterhuizen join a star-studded backline with Siya Masuku getting his first start of the campaign after playing off the bench last week, joined by another player making his return from injury, Jordan Hendrikse, who provides cover off a powerful bench.

“It’s very exciting to be back playing at Hollywoodbets Kings Park this weekend,” said wing Ethan Hooker, fresh off his Springbok heroics, and try-scorer in last week’s final tour match against Leinster before heading back to Durban.

“I want to make my home team proud. The vibe is pretty good being back and you get that sense of a home feeling.

“We’re all keen and looking forward to going out on Saturday and performing for our fans. They can look forward to this week’s game as much as we are. We’ve trained really hard, exciting things are coming and we hope to see a full stadium coming out in support and watching a really good game of rugby.”

Hollywoodbets Sharks starting XV: 15 Edwill van der Merwe, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi; 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Grant Williams; 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka (capt), 6 Siya Kolisi; 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Eben Etzebeth; 3 Vincent Kock, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche. Replacements: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Simphiwe Matanzima, 18 Ruan Dreyer, 19 Bathobele Hlekani, 20 Emmanuel Tshituka, 21 Jaden Hendrikse, 22 Jordan Hendrikse, 23 Lukhanyo Am.

SATURDAY

Hollywoodbets Sharks v Ulster Rugby

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

Referee: Ben Whitehouse (WRU, 111th league game)

AR 1: Morne Ferreira (SARU) AR 2: Sean Muller (SARU)

TMO: Ben Connor (WRU)

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