The Hollywoodbets Sharks are back in action at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday when they entertain Italian outfit Benetton in the closing stages of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.
While they might have swapped tournaments, they have not let the focus of the season waver and will be using this match for growth and improvement.
Head coach John Plumtree hasn’t tinkered much with the side that defeated Clermont last weekend to advance to the EPCR Challenge Cup Final as he looks to maintain continuity in team selection as well as how the team continues to gel.
There are two changes in the forwards where Corne Rahl replaces Emile van Heerden and Gerbrandt Grobler gets a start at flank, with Vincent Tshituka shifting to eighthman in place of Phepsi Buthelezi.
The final change sees Francois Venter replacing Ethan Hooker at centre.
Assistant coach Warren Whitely admits that despite the change in focus in terms of title aspirations, there isn’t much in the way of shifting focus, but using this match to fine tune their performances.
“What we’ve made clear is that after our review of the Clermont game, there were things we felt that we need to work on and be better at, so this weekend gives us an opportunity to be better, even though it’s a different competition.
“We will need to be better in the final and that’s why our focus is on this week, to be better than we were against Clermont and improve where we can.”
The Hollywoodbets Sharks
1. Ox Nche
2. Bongi Mbonambi
3. Vincent Koch
4. Eben Etzebeth
5. Corne Rahl
6. James Venter
7. Gerbrandt Grobler
8. Vincent Tshituka
9. Grant Williams
10. Siya Masuku
11. Makazole Mapimpi
12. Francois Venter
13. Lukhanyo Am (Captain)
14. Werner Kok
15. Aphelele Fassi
Replacements
16. Fez Mbatha
17. Ntuthuko Mchunu
18. Hanro Jacobs
19. Lappies Labuschagne
20. Tino Mavesere
21. Cameron Wright
22. Boeta Chamberlain
23. Diego Appolis
Players not available for selection due to injury
• Coenie Oosthuizen
• Curwin Bosch
• Dylan Richardson
• George Cronje
• Jaden Hendrikse
• Phepsi Buthelezi
• Marnus Potgieter
• Muller du Plessis
• Nevaldo Fleurs
• Zee Mkhabela
Photo by Gruffydd Thomas/Huw Evans/Shutterstock
