The Hollywoodbets Sharks’ Vodacom United Rugby Championship campaign kicks off this weekend with a trip to Galway in Ireland to take on Connacht at Dexcom Stadium on Saturday evening.
Following recent snow in the KZN Midlands, the Hollywoodbets Sharks won’t feel too out of their comfort zone with temperatures ranging between 8º and 14º in Galway.
With the clash of URC week one fixtures and the Carling Currie Cup Final, won by the Hollywoodbets Sharks last Saturday, the South African teams only commence their URC commitments now in week two.
Head coach John Plumtree used the last few weeks of the Currie Cup tournament for the dual purpose of competing – successfully too – and getting his URC players back to match fitness after their break following a long, tough and also successful 2023/24 season that culminated in EPCR Challenge Cup glory.
As such, this week’s team to take on Connacht isn’t too dissimilar from the one that defeated the Fidelity ADT Lions in last week’s Currie Cup Final. There are four changes in the pack of forwards, but the backline remains intact from last week.
Vincent Tshituka continues his role as captain on tour with hooker Dylan Richardson replacing Fez Mbatha and Ruan Dreyer coming in for Hanro Jacobs at tighthead prop.
Jason Jenkins earns his debut for the Hollywoodbets Sharks as he pairs up with Gerbrandt Grobler in the second row, the duo replacing Corne’ Rahl and the injured Emile van Heerden respectively.
Saturday’s match kicks off at 8.35pm (CAT).
Hollywoodbets Sharks
- Ntuthuko Mchunu
- Dylan Richardson
- Ruan Dreyer*
- Jason Jenkins*
- Gerbrandt Grobler
- James Venter
- Vincent Tshituka (Captain)
- Manu Tshituka*
- Bradley Davids
- Siya Masuku
- Ethan Hooker
- Andre Esterhuizen
- Jurenzo Julius*
- Eduan Keyter
- Jordan Hendrikse*
Replacements
- Fez Mbatha
- Trevor Nyakane*
- Hanro Jacobs
- Corne’ Rahl
- Reniel Hugo
- Tino Mavesere
- Tian Meyer*
- Gurswin Wehr*
*Denotes debut for the Hollywoodbets Sharks
The following players are not available for selection due to injury:
Braam Reyneke
Diego Appollis
Emile van Heerden
Ig Prinsloo
Khwezi Mona
Marnus Potgieter
Phepsi Buthelezi
Siya Ningiza
Thomas Dyer
Yaw Penxe
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