The Hollywoodbets Sharks take to the road in this weekend’s Carling Currie Cup when they face off against the Suzuki Griquas in Kimberley on Friday (3pm kick-off) in a tricky round two clash.
Many a team has come undone in Kimberley and for JP Pietersen’s side, there will be no underestimating the magnitude of the challenge that lies ahead. Fortunately, the Sharks team has been bolstered by the inclusion of returning players from the United Rugby Championship and Challenge Cup campaign, the Springbok camp, as well as the return of a former favourite and a definite fan-favourite who makes his debut in the Black & White jersey.
With six Springboks in the side, there is plenty to excite the fans.
Springbok tighthead prop Trevor Nyakane will play in his first match for the Sharks on Friday since being signed, replacing Khwezi Mona, while another Springbok, Ntuthuko Mchunu takes over from Abraham Reynecke at loosehead.
Phepsi Buthelezi replacing Jannes Potgieter at flank is the final change amongst the forwards.
Rugby World Cup winning wing Makazole Mapimpi is back for the impressive Jaco Williams, who debuted last week, while Andre Esterhuizen, back in Durban after a successful stint in the English Premiership, partners Muller du Plessis in the midfield, with Murray Koster named on the bench.
The final change sees another Springbok boosting his team’s chances in Kimberley, fullback Aphelele Fassi is back, replacing Hakeem Kunene.
“We took a lot of positives out of last week’s game (a one-point loss to the Lions) but we were disappointed as we felt we could have won that game,” head coach Pietersen explained.
“But that’s all part of the learning, lots of youngsters put their hands up which is a massive positive for the union and shows we’re moving in the right direction with this young talent.”
With Griquas having lost to the Pumas at home last weekend (44-24), Pietersen expects a backlash from their hosts.
“They’ll definitely want to bounce back, they’ve had a good year and they’re a confident team, and as a group, we know this is going to be a physical battle in Kimberley but it’s an exciting challenge for us and we’re also confident going into this match.
“We hope it’s a good game of rugby that the fans can enjoy.”
Hollywoodbets Sharks XV starting XV: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Muller du Plessis, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi; 10 Lionel Cronje, 9 Bradley Davids; 8 Nick Hatton (capt), 7 Phepsi Buthelezi, 6 Tino Mavesere; 5 Reniel Hugo, 4 Coetzee le Roux; 3 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Daniel Jooste, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu. Replacements: 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Abraham Reynecke, 18 Khwezi Mona, 19 Reinier Viljoen, 20 Jannes Potgieter, 21 Tiaan Fourie, 22 Murray Koster, 23 Eduan Keyter/Jaco Williams.
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