It’s desperation mode for the Hollywoodbets Sharks this weekend as they seek to turn their losing fortunes around in the United Rugby Championship. Lilitha Bodlani looks at what it would take for them to overcome Connacht this Saturday.
The Hollywoodbets Sharks are back at the Tank on Saturday for a 17:00 kick-off, and will be desperate to register their first win of the season against a Connacht outfit still stinging from that last-gasp defeat at Edinburgh last week.
John Plumtree’s men just arrived back from their four-week European tour and it’s been a tough start for the Durbanites.
A message from The Sharks Head Coach, John Plumtree. pic.twitter.com/jrMmeexLtv
— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) November 11, 2023
It’s easy to write-off a side in the early stages of the season when things aren’t going so well, but it’s worth remembering that the Sharks lost three of their four opening games in the inaugural URC season.
Plumtree is upbeat ahead of Connacht’s visit.
“Disappointing tour we had as a team. We are looking forward to getting back home now and we will reset and work hard to get some momentum going and improve our results at home”, he said.
It’s also been confirmed that the Springbok players in the Sharks’ setup will only be considered for selection in December. Factor this in along with injuries and the ceiling for the Durban side starts to look a bit higher.
The likes of Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi, and Vincent Koch are a proven World Cup-winning front trio and can dominate against the best the URC has to offer. Add to the mix the power of World Men’s Player of the Year nominee Eben Etzebeth and the scrum starts to look a real strength.
The loose trio would need a massive injection of class since the departure of Siya Kolisi to Racing Metro 92, so guys like Vincent Tshituka, Sikhumbuzo Notshe and new signing George Cronjé need to pull in and do their part in the Sharks jersey. The likes of Phepsi Buthelezi, Dylan Richardson and James Venter look to stake a claim in the team too.
The thought of having two Springbok No 9s is quite cool; Jaden Hendrikse and Grant Williams and it would be interesting as to who would start between the two. The latter could even do a job on the wing if need be.
Flyhalf should be no debate as Curwin Bosch would be the right man to lead however, if new signing Siya Masuku, mainstay Boeta Chamberlin and the experienced Lionel Cronje knock on the door then it only bodes well for the Flyhalf stocks.
Heavy competition at the centre position but my money would be on Rohan Janse van Rensburg and Lukhanyo Am to fire the team back up the URC standings.
In the wing positions the Sharks have an abundance of choices so for me, Makazole Mapimpi, Aphiwe Dyanti and former Sevens star Werner Kok are as dangerous as they come.
Last but certainly not least would be the last line of defence being the ‘Weekend Special’ himself – Aphelele Fassi slotting at fullback and really taking ownership in this position.
The Hollywoodbet Sharks will be taking on Irish outfit Connacht this Saturday. The match starts at 17:00.
