Sharks XV ready to enjoy the comforts of home

The Hollywoodbets Sharks XV welcome the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers to Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu, when the two teams meet in a fourth-round Carling Currie Cup clash on Saturday (5.15pm).

After three games on the road, the Sharks XV are relishing the opportunity to play in Durban and in the spirit of taking the game to the community are playing this match in KwaMashu.

Following big wins over the Vodacom Bulls XV in round one and the DHL Stormers XXIII (41-3), the Kavaliers lost to the Airlink Pumas over the weekend and will be in Durban with the sole aim of returning to their winning ways.

For the Sharks XV, winning at home is not-negotiable and the time is right to deliver on their potential which has been evident in their opening three matches.

Head coach Mike Vowles has made a number of changes to his side for this week’s match, bringing in Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka for Cameron Dawson in the loosehead position, while rearranging his loose forward trio, with Johan Momsen shifting from lock to flank for Danio Botha and Meno Barnard taking his place in the second row to partner Deon Slabbert, while Willem van den Hever replaces Luan Olivier and Tinotenda Mavesere comes in for Thomas Dyer, with the captaincy baton handed to scrumhalf Ross Braude.

There are just two changes to the backline, SA Under 20 wing Khuthi Rasivhaga wearing the No 11 jersey after playing off the bench in his debut match at a senior level for the province last week, with Lyle Matthews shifting to outside centre in place of Marnus Potgieter.

Hollywoodbets Sharks XV starting XV: 15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Christie Grobbelaar, 13 Lyle Matthews, 12 Janco Purchase, 11 Khuthi Rasivhaga; 10 Tim Swiel, 9 Ross Braude (capt); 8 Tinotenda Mavesere, 7 Johan Momsen, 6 Willem van den Hever; 5 Deon Slabbert, 4 Meno Barnard; 3 Simphiwe Ngobese, 2 Bryce Calvert, 1 Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka. Replacements: 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Jaco du Toit, 18 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 19 Hanu Pieterse, 20 Wasi Vyambwera, 21 Juan Loots, 22 Albie Bester, 23 Chijindu Okonta.