The Vodacom United Rugby Championship leaps into action this weekend with the Hollywoodbets Sharks in round one action against Irish side Munster at their home ground Thomond Park on Saturday.

There’s been a long break in competitive rugby for the Hollywoodbets Sharks, but the time is now upon us for the action to resume once more and excitement levels couldn’t be higher. The team composition and coaching reflect both stability as well as an injection of new ideas, and this is something they will look to demonstrate from the get-go according to attack coach Dave Williams.

“With John Plumtree coming in, it’s been about formulating a new Sharks way of doing things, with a massive focus on and off the field.

“Target-wise, it’s about us wanting to portray what The Sharks want to be about, so when people watch us – whether it’s at the stadium or elsewhere – they’re going to see a team that’s got ambition and plays with relentless intensity.

“Winning competitive moments in the game is massive, but in that, we want to display the new way of what this brand is all about.

“It’s at this time when the group looks at its senior, experienced players for leadership, as the flow of the game goes on, having those guys in the mix and giving their feedback is something we can tap into as a group.”

Newly appointed captain Francois Venter admits that he is proud of the leadership role he has been entrusted with and has enjoyed working with the new head coach.

“It’s a massive honour for me to be named tour captain, it comes with a huge responsibility, but I’m honoured to be part of this group. Fortunately, we have great leaders who can give me a hand.

“I just want to give my all for the team.”

On John Plumtree’s philosophy, he explains that it is all about “Getting a higher purpose in the team, that was one of our biggest focus points, and then connection, we’re building something new in the way we play and the way we portray ourselves to the fans.

“Coach John has made a massive impact on everyone, he commands respect and the environment is great.

“For now, it’s up to us to go out there and perform.”

Hollywoodbets Sharks
1. Ntuthuko Mchunu
2. Kerron van Vuuren
3. Coenie Oosthuizen
4. Emile van Heerden
5. Reniel Hugo
6. James Venter
7. Phepsi Buthelezi*
8. George Cronje
9. Cameron Wright
10. Curwin Bosch
11. Marnus Potgieter
12. Francois Venter (c)
13. Murray Koster
14. Werner Kok
15. Boeta Chamberlain

Replacements
16. Dan Jooste
17. Dian Bleuler
18. Hanro Jacobs
19. Vincent Tshituka
20. Sikhumbuzo Notshe
21. Zee Mkhabela
22. Rohan Janse van Rensburg
23. Aphelele Fassi

Photo by Peter Fitzpatrick/Action Plus/Shutterstock/BackpagePix