Tshituka leads Sharks against his former side

Vodacom United Rugby Championship action resumes this weekend as the Hollywoodbets Sharks travel to Johannesburg for their return-leg, second-round clash against the Lions on Saturday afternoon.

The fixture presents another important opportunity for growth under newly confirmed permanent head coach JP Pietersen and his team, who will be looking to build on the positive form shown prior to the competition break.

Vincent Tshituka captains a side that is without several Springboks currently observing player welfare rest protocols. Despite those absences, the squad retains significant experience throughout the match-day 23, particularly among the replacements, where three Springboks – Vincent Koch, Phepsi Buthelezi and Jordan Hendrikse add valuable impact and composure.

The Sharks head into the encounter with clear objectives. Currently ninth on the overall log, they are chasing a top eight finish while also targeting the South African Shield.

A return of four or five log points against the Lions would see the Sharks leapfrog the eighth-placed Ospreys into the top eight. It would also secure retention of the SA Shield (which the Sharks won last season) and place the team in a strong position with remaining fixtures to be played.

The Lions pose a formidable challenge at home and the Sharks are fully aware of the task ahead. However, the group embraces the opportunity, confident that delivering a performance aligned to their potential will bring the rewards they are striving for.

Hollywoodbets Sharks starting XV: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Francois Venter, 12 Jurenzo Julius, 11 Jaco Williams; 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Jaden Hendrikse; 8 Thomas Dyer, 7 Vincent Tshituka (capt), 6 Tino Mavesere; 5 Jason Jenkins, 4 Corne Rahl; 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Phatu Ganyane. Replacements: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Cameron Dawson, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Emile van Heerden, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Ross Braude, 22 Jordan Hendrikse, 23 Yaw Penxe.

SATURDAY

Lions v Hollywoodbets Sharks

Ellis Park, Johannesburg – KO 12pm IRE & UK/1pm ITA/2pm SA

Referee: Griffin Colby (SARU, 12th league game)

AR 1: Aimee Barrett-Theron (SARU) AR 2: Zoe Naude (SARU)

TMO: Quinton Immelman (SARU)

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