The Hollywoodbets Sharks host Exeter Chiefs in an Investec Champions Cup first round clash at Hollywoodbets Kings Park looking to build on the recent results that have kept their home ground a fortress.
Head coach John Plumtree explains that his team are in a good place, particularly off the back of a productive week on the training pitch.
A new tournament, a new opponent, but for the Hollywoodbets Sharks, it’s very much a case of consistency, momentum and continuity as they look to build on the gains they’ve made in the last few weeks.
“This week has been a lot easier without the disruptions we had before the last few games, we’ve had a good week of training. We got some work done without the issues of bracketing players with injuries, as well as the Boks coming back in last week, so this week has been way better.
“So for us it’s about going out there and performing. We’ve put a big emphasis on winning our home games and we’ve done three in a row, albeit they were tough battles.
“Yes, this is a new competition, one the boys are excited to do well in, we understand there are some big challenges, this is a tough draw.
“But we have our own little internal motivation going.”
As Challenge Cup title-holders, the Hollywoodbets Sharks have something of a target on their backs as one of the contenders.
“Last year we had a long list of challenges, this year we do have a good squad and we can do really well, but that depends on things like injuries – Lukhanyo Am is out for a month – which can determine the strength of your squad, if we can keep players healthy and fit and we play to our ability, absolutely we can do well.
“But it’s also about how we manage the squad and manage their load; it comes down to science and a bit of art, along with a bit of luck potentially.”
Casting his eye on to the opposition, Plumtree’s expectations are for a team battling with results back home, but will look to change that and kick off their tournament on a high.
“They aren’t doing well in the Premiership, but they’ve had some narrow losses and that shows what a gutsy team they are who work hard for each other.
“They have aggressive line speed, some x-factor talent in their side and their forwards are working class forwards.
“They’re going to come at us. They will see us as a prize, and if they knock us off, they’ll be pretty delighted.
“They will come in as underdogs and might just enjoy the change in competition. It’s going to be tough.”
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Team Release Article – Hollywoodbets Sharks vs. Exeter Chiefs:
The Hollywoodbets Sharks side to take the field on Saturday is a Springbok-laden team that hosts Exeter Chiefs in a first round Investec Champions Cup clash at Hollywoodbets Kings Park.
Eben Etzebeth is back to lead the team against their English counterparts and the Hollywoodbets Sharks will be looking to impose themselves and a home fortress on Exeter.
“This is a very important game and we accept that we have a massive challenge ahead of us on Saturday,” loose forward Phepsi Buthelezi explained.
“We’ve prepared as best we can and look forward to it.”
The team are in a good place given recent results and will look to maintain their winning record.
“We’ve taken a lot of confidence out of our form in the VURC and now it’s a matter of translating that into this new competition. The nature of the tournament is a bit different, playing different teams from different countries, but it’s still a game within the four white lines and for us, we have taken a lot of confidence from our URC form and want to take that into this competition now.”
Casting his eye over Exeter, he warns that his team are in for a big test on Saturday.
“We believe that Exeter are a quality side. We’ve analysed them and they’re a really good team that likes to play with ball in hand. They’re well-coached with lots of good players.”
Hollywoodbets Sharks
15.?Aphelele Fassi
14.?Eduan Keyter
13.?Ethan Hooker
12.?Andre Esterhuizen
11.?Makazole Mapimpi
10.?Jordan Hendrikse
9.?Grant Williams
8.?Siya Kolisi
7.?Vincent Tshituka
6.?James Venter
5.?Emile van Heerden
4.?Eben Etzebeth (Captain)
3.?Trevor Nyakane
2.?Bongi Mbonambi
1.?Ox Nche
Replacements?
16.?Dylan Richardson
17.?Ntuthuko Mchunu
18.?Hanro Jacobs
19.?Jason Jenkins
20.?Phepsi Buthelezi
21.?Jaden Hendrikse
22.?Siya Masuku
23.?Francois Venter
The following players were not considered for selection due to injury:
– Ruan Dreyer
– Fez Mbatha
– Khwezi Mona
– Marnus Potgieter
– Abraham Reyneke
– ?Lukhanyo Am
– ?Gerbrandt Grobler
The post Team Release Article – Hollywoodbets Sharks vs. Exeter Chiefs appeared first on The Sharks Durban.
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