The Hollywoodbets Sharks will welcome Munster to Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday when the Durban side host the 2022/23 Vodacom United Rugby Championship titleholders.

Head coach JP Pietersen has made eight changes to his team, including the return of Siya Kolisi to the starting line-up where the Bok captain earns his 50th cap.

There is also a rejig of the front row, with Phatu Ganyane, Fez Mbatha and Hanro Jacobs swapping jerseys with Ox Nche, Eduan Swart and Vincent Koch who started the last match.

Amongst the backs, Grant Williams starts in place of the injured Jaden Hendrikse, while Ethan Hooker is back to partner captain Andre Esterhuizen in the midfield and Yaw Penxe takes over from Edwill van der Merwe on the wing. In the final change, Hollywoodbets Sharks Under 21 star and new kid on the block for the Blitzbokke, Luan Giliomee, gets a start at fullback, replacing Jaco Williams.

This is an auspicious occasion for another Springbok – Makazole Mapimpi – who plays in his 100th cap for the Hollywoodbets Sharks on Saturday, joining an elite group of centurions to have worn the coveted Black and White jersey on 100 occasions or more.

While the immediate ambition for the team is to enjoy a successful outing against the Irish, the fight for a top eight finish remains a priority the team cannot lose sight of.

“We know what a challenge it’s going to be, but there is hope and belief, and a big drive to get results because we know we can’t afford any errors,” explained flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse in the build-up to the match.

Saturday’s match kicks off at 5pm.

Hollywoodbets Sharks
1. Phatu Ganyane
2. Fez Mbatha
3. Hanro Jacobs
4. Jason Jenkins
5. Emile van Heerden
6. Siya Kolisi
7. Vincent Tshituka
8. Phepsi Buthelezi
9. Grant Williams
10. Jordan Hendrikse
11. Makazole Mapimpi
12. Andre Esterhuizen (C)
13. Ethan Hooker
14. Yaw Penxe
15. Luan Giliomee *

Replacements
16. Eduan Swart
17. Ox Nche
18. Vincent Koch
19. Corne Rahl
20. Nick Hatton
21. Bradley Davids
22. Jean Smith
23. Hakeen Kunene