TEAM RELEASE: Massive Challenge at The Stoop:
The Hollywoodbets Sharks face ASM Clermont Auvergne on Saturday in their quest to reach the final of the EPCR Challenge Cup when the two meet in the competition’s semi-final at the Twickenham Stoop in London
Head coach John Plumtree has selected a powerful side to take on the French giants, one that has the right blend of Springbok talent and tried and tested Hollywoodbets Sharks stalwarts, with a smattering of youthful exuberance to round off a settled, composed and ambitious side.
Captain Lukhanyo Am admits that his team is ready and excited for the challenge that lies ahead, confident in the way they’ve gone about readying themselves for this knock-out game.
“In games like this, it’s about getting the best prep and we’ve done a great deal to put ourselves in this position and once you’re in the changeroom, it’s about having confidence in the prep you’ve done,” he explained from the team’s base in London.
“This game is a big one for us and everyone is hyped and excited to be playing in a semi against a quality side like Clermont.”
Am called the two sets of protagonists ‘like-for-like’, suggesting that both sides employ a similar outlook as well as game management.
“We back our set-piece against a good Clermont set-piece and they do mix it up between forwards and backs, which is the same with us. So it’s definitely going to be an exciting game.
“With all the prep we’ve done, I think we’re ready.”
Hollywoodbets Sharks
- Ox Nche
- Bongi Mbonambi
- Vincent Koch
- Eben Etzebeth
- Emile van Heerden
- James Venter
- Vincent Tshituka
- Phepsi Buthelezi
- Grant Williams
- Siya Masuku
- Makazole Mapimpi
- Ethan Hooker
- Lukhanyo Am (c)
- Werner Kok
- Aphelele Fassi
Replacements
- Fez Mbatha
- Ntuthuko Mchunu
- Hanro Jacobs
- Gerbrandt Grobler
- Jeandre Labuschagne
- Cameron Wright
- Boeta Chamberlain
- Francois Venter
Players not considered for selection due to injury
• Coenie Oosthuizen
• Curwin Bosch
• Dylan Richardson
• George Cronje
• Jaden Hendrikse
• Marnus Potgieter
• Muller du Plessis
• Nevaldo Fleurs
• Zee Mkhabela
The post TEAM RELEASE: Massive Challenge at The Stoop appeared first on The Sharks Durban.
The SA Rugby Under 21 Cup returns to the local rugby landscape this weekend when the Hollywoodbets Sharks Under 21s host their Western Province counterparts at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Friday afternoon in the first round of action.
Province are perennial age group contenders and will come into this tournament with confidence as title-holders while the Hollywoodbets Sharks Under 21s had a good season, reaching the semi-finals of last year’s tournament.
However, Hollywoodbets Sharks Under 21s head coach JP Pietersen has developed a strong group of young players over the last few years and believes his charges are up for the challenge.
“We have a very good squad, a lot of 21-year-olds, senior guys who have been there before and they form the core of the group,” he explains. “We also have some exciting under 19 boys and while it’s the first game for everyone and a lot of nerves, there’s also a lot of excitement.
“Province have a very good junior system, so we know that it’s going to be a big test for us. They’re the champions and come with a lot of confidence but the boys are up for the challenge.
“We’re also excited to be playing inside the stadium which is massive for the boys, what an opportunity against a good Province side. I’m excited to see the future of South African rugby.”
The match is scheduled for a 1pm kick-off.
Hollywoodbets Sharks Under 21s
- Phatu Ganyane
- Andrew Davis
- Mawande Mdanda
- Coetzee Le Roux
- Hennie Sieberhagen
- Meno Barnard
- Jannes Potgieter
- Nick Hatton
- Andries Knoetze
- Stehan Heymans
- Spha Ngcobo
- Phillipus Venter
- Hakeem Kunene
- Scott Nel
- Jaco Williams
Replacements
- Christian Everitt
- Dylan Willis
- Dian Heunis
- Pretorius van Heerden
- Sphephelo Mbonambi
- Ceano Everson
- Frederick Marx
- Risima Sambo
The post Junior Rugby Is Back appeared first on The Sharks Durban.
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Quick Durban KwaZulu-Natal Fact: In June 2007 the KZN parliament passed the Prevention of Slums Bill in the Provincial Parliament. The Bill compels landowners to evict shackdwellers, on the threat of arrest and criminalises resistance to evictions. The provincial Department of Housing, that brought the Bill to the Provincial Parliament, has repeatedly stated that ‘the slums will be cleared by 2010 in KwaZulu-Natal’. The Bill has been heavily criticised by academics, human rights organisations and civil society. The shack dwellers’ movement Abahlali baseMjondolo is planning mass mobilising against the Bill and is also taking the matter to the Constitutional Court with support from a pro bono legal centre.
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