The Hollywoodbets Sharks welcome back a handful of Springboks who were at Twickenham last weekend and are available for this huge match.
The timing couldn’t be better, with Makazole Mapimpi and Ethan Hooker both handed starts (on either wing) for this final match on tour, and Vincent Koch and Bongi Mbonambi adding presence off the bench, along with a welcome return for Siya Masuku.
The only other change sees Jason Jenkins replacing Deon Slabbert in the second row.
This final tour match is an opportunity to show the growth in this young side before the Hollywoodbets Sharks return home to Hollywoodbets Kings Park to perform in front of their adoring fans.
For vice-captain Lukhanyo Am, the development of squad depth has been pleasing in light of the absence of Springbok players, injuries and disruptions. He acknowledges how the young players who have been given opportunities have taken them with both hands.
“We’ve been really impressed with the young blood coming through, guys showing such grit in the past two games,” he explains.
“It’s the beginning of the season and we have so much potential to grow.”
And the boost from the Bok squad?
“They’re quality players, they will fit in perfectly and having them in our squad will definitely help us.”
He admits that the team is motivated to finish the tour with a bang and the fact that they’re up against the titleholders only adds to their desire.
“It’s the last game on tour and we’re facing a quality side, the champs, but this is one game everyone is really excited about and looking forward to playing. We have a lot to prove playing Leinster at their home ground.
“Leinster are coming back from tour, playing their first game back at home with their British & Irish Lions players returning, while we’ve had a boost with some Springbok guys joining us, so we want to finish the tour on a high.
“They’re a quality side and when you face a team like that, you must capitalise on the opportunities you get. They have great players and great systems, but for us, it’s when we do create those opportunities, we have to ensure nine out of ten times we capitalise.”
Hollywoodbets Sharks
1. Simphiwe Matanzima
2. Fez Mbatha
3. Ruan Dreyer
4. Jason Jenkins
5. Marvin Orie
6. Phepsi Buthelezi
7. Emmanuel Tshituka
8. Vincent Tshituka (c)
9. Jaden Hendrikse
10. Jean Smith
11. Makazole Mapimpi
12. Lukhanyo Am
13. Jurenzo Julius
14. Ethan Hooker
15. Edwill van der Merwe
Replacements
16. Bongi Mbonambi
17. Dian Bleuler
18. Vincent Koch
19. Bathobele Hlekani
20. Nick Hatton
21. Ross Braude
22. Siya Masuku
23. Francois Venter
