The Hollywoodbets Sharks XV will take continuity in team selection as well as momentum and confidence into Saturday’s Carling Currie Cup Final against the Fidelity ADT Lions at Emirates Airline Park.
An eight-game unbeaten streak, including a win over the Lions towards the end of July – the Joburg team’s only loss in the pool stages – provides the team with the perfect build-up for the big finale.
Hollywoodbets Sharks assistant coach Warren Whitely admits that the team is in a good space but acknowledges the sizable challenge that lies ahead.
“We’re proud of the effort and character shown in last week’s semi-final and now we’re in the final which is really special, a great opportunity for us,” he points out.
“We’ve built nicely over the last few weeks, the Lions are also a great side, that’s why they’re top of the log and they’ve proved that throughout the competition.
“It’s going to be a massive test for us but one we’re really looking forward to. This is the final and we’re treating it with respect; we want to honour the tradition of the Currie Cup.
“We’re looking forward to the challenge, the Lions are a quality side who got the better of us a couple of times, they have a massive, dominant pack and some explosive backs and we can’t wait to get out there.”
Head coach John Plumtree has largely stuck with last week’s semi-final team, making just two changes, one amongst the forwards and the other in the backline.
Plumtree has named Emmanuel Tshituka at No 8 for Phepsi Buthelezi after playing off the bench last week, while Jurenzo Julius returns at outside centre to partner with Springbok Andre Esterhuizen in the midfield.
Fidelity ADT Lions starting XV: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Rabz Maxwane, 13 Rynhardt Jonker, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Tapiwa Mafura; 10 Sanele Nohamba, 9 Nico Steyn; 8 Jarod Cairns, 7 Ruan Venter, 6 Renzo du Plessis; 5 Darrien-Lane Landsberg, 4 Ruben Schoeman; 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 Jaco Visagie (capt), 1 Morgan Naude. Replacements: 16 Morne Brandon, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 Conraad van Vuuren, 19 Siba Qoma, 20 Raynard Roets, 21 JC Pretorius, 22 Kade Wolhuter, 23 Kelly Mpeku.
Hollywoodbets Sharks XV starting XV: 15 Jordan Hendrikse, 14 Eduan Keyter, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Ethan Hooker; 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Bradley Davids; 8 Emmanuel Tshituka, 7 Vincent Tshituka (capt), 6 James Venter; 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Corne’ Rahl; 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu. Replacements: 16 Dylan Richardson, 17 Trevor Nyakane, 18 Mawande Mdande, 19 Jason Jenkins, 20 Gerbrandt Grobler, 21 Tinotenda Mavesere, 22 Tian Meyer, 23 Lionel Cronje.
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