The return of a number of Springboks for this first Vodacom United Rugby Championship home game of the season has strengthened the Hollywoodbets Sharks team that will play Glasgow Warriors at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday.
Five Springboks forwards, including a Springbok front row, and three more in the backline, underline the threat the Durban side hope to impose on their Scottish visitors.
Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi and Vincent Koch form an all-international front row, with the most capped-ever Bok Eben Etzebeth packing in behind them, where he partners with Emile van Heerden in the second row. Etzebeth will also captain the side.
Back from his stint in France is Siya Kolisi, once again wearing the Black & White colours of the Hollywoodbets Sharks with pride. The Springbok captain will link up with fellow loose-forwards Emmanuel Tshituka and Phepsi Buthelezi.
Former Glenwood Boys High scholars Jaden and Jordan Hendrikse feature as the halfback pairing, while Makazole Mapimpi is back from his Bok duties, along with Lukhanyo Am and Aphelele Fassi who all add experience, skill and rugby ability to the side in this crucial game.
The Hollywoodbets Sharks will require every possible bit of bite in their arsenal as they take on second on the log Glasgow who have won three of their four fixtures, the only loss taking place in round one, away to Ulster and then going down by a solitary point.
The reigning champions present formidable opposition, but this is a Hollywoodbets Sharks side with big ambitions and this is a match they know is vital to their campaign aims.
Hollywoodbets Sharks
1. Ox Nche
2. Bongi Mbonambi
3. Vincent Koch
4. Eben Etzebeth (c)
5. Emile van Heerden
6. Siya Kolisi
7. Emmanuel Tshituka
8. Phepsi Buthelezi
9. Jaden Hendrikse
10. Jordan Hendrikse
11. Makazole Mapimpi
12. Andre Esterhuizen
13. Lukhanyo Am
14. Eduan Keyter
15. Aphelele Fassi
Replacements
16. Fez Mbatha
17. Trevor Nyakane
18. Ruan Dreyer
19. Jason Jenkins
20. James Venter
21. Grant Williams
22. Siya Masuku
23. Jurenzo Julius
