The Hollywoodbets Sharks host the Emirates Lions in the opening match of 2024.
Although the team came off the disappointment of a one-point loss to the DHL Stormers last weekend, there were lots of positives that they are approaching the kind of performances they’re aiming to play regularly.
The upcoming clash with the Lions is an opportunity to prove just what they’re capable of.
In changes from last week’s side, Hollywoodbets Sharks head coach John Plumtree has selected Fez Mbatha at hooker with Kerron van Vuuren shifting to the bench, while Hanro Jacobs replaces Coenie Oosthuizen who has carried a massive workload over the past two months.
Training session intensity on 💯#FearTheFin pic.twitter.com/37b15e4GAR
— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) January 4, 2024
After missing last week’s clash in Cape Town, Eben Etzebeth is back from illness and his partner in the second row will be Gerbrandt Grobler who makes a welcome return from injury and takes over from Emile van Heerden.
Grant Williams and Jaden Hendrikse swapping scrumhalf duties is the only change to a settled backline.
Speaking ahead of the game, Williams admits that the team is in the right place both performance-wise and in the correct mental space to deliver a commanding performance on Saturday.
“Last week’s game against the Stormers was frustrating, we felt that we could have gotten the win and we felt that there were more positives than negatives,” says Williams.
The Bok scrumhalf has warned his team that they shouldn’t underestimate the Johannesburg team.
“The Lions are a physical outfit that likes to move the ball around as well, they have a heavy pack so we can expect a physical battle. The thing for us is to get into our stride and give our fans a performance they deserve”, says Williams.
Hollywoodbets Sharks
1. Ox Nche, 2. Fez Mbatha, 3. Hanro Jacobs, 4. Eben Etzebeth, 5. Gerbrandt Grobler, 6. James Venter, 7. Lappies Labuschagne, 8. Phepsi Buthelezi, 9. Grant Williams, 10. Curwin Bosch, 11. Makazole Mapimpi, 12. Francois Venter, 13. Lukhanyo Am (c), 14. Werner Kok, 15. Aphelele Fassi
Replacements
Kerron van Vuuren, 17. Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18. Joel Hintz, 19. Corne Rahl, 20. George Cronje, 21. Jaden Hendrikse, 22. Boeta Chamberlain, 23. Rohan Janse van Rensburg
