Rugby

Sharks to face Stormers in pre-season warm-up

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Jordan Hendrikse of Sharks scores a try as he evades a tackle by Neethling Fouche of the Stormers during the United Rugby Championship 2024/25 game between the Stormers and Sharks at Cape Town Stadium in South Africa on 28 December 2024 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

The Hollywoodbets Sharks travel to George on Friday to take on the DHL Stormers at Outeniqua Park Rugby Stadium, George for a pre-season warm-up match ahead of the upcoming Vodacom United Rugby Championship that kicks off in two weeks’ time.

Hollywoodbets Sharks head coach John Plumtree has selected a 28-man squad to travel to the Garden Route city, one that doesn’t differ too significantly from the players who were involved in last Friday night’s double-header at Hollywoodbets Kings Park.

There’s a first start this season for prop Ruan Dreyer, while Junior Bok star Bathobele Hlekani remains at lock after being selected there last week.

There’s plenty of experience spread around the team, led by eighthman Vincent Tshituka with centre Lukhanyo Am in the vice captaincy role.

The bench sees some interesting faces, including Ross Braude, the Canadian scrumhalf who hails from Bloemfontein, was schooled at Grey College, represented the Vodacom Blue Bulls at age group level before playing his senior rugby in Canada and with the Airlink Pumas as recently as this season’s Carling Currie Cup.

Also named is new recruit Edwill van der Merwe who turned out for the Springboks as recently as their test match against the Wallabies last month.

With the Springboks still immersed in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship, Plumtree has numerous Carling Currie Cup players at his disposal and fans of the Hollywoodbets Sharks will be familiar with most of the players that will be involved in this match.

Kickoff is at 18h00.

Hollywoodbets Sharks
1. Phatu Ganyane
2. Fez Mbatha
3. Ruan Dreyer
4. Bathobele Hlekani
5. Jason Jenkins
6. Phepsi Buthelezi
7. Emmanuel Tshituka
8. Vincent Tshituka (c)
9. Jaden Hendrikse
10. Siya Masuku
11. Christie Grobbelaar
12. Francois Venter
13. Lukhanyo Am (vc)
14. Phikolomzi “PK” Sobahle
15. Yaw Penxe

Replacements
16. Eduan Swart
17. Dian Bleuler
18. Lee-Marvin Mazibuko
19. Deon Slabbert
20. Tino Mavesere
21. Nick Hatton
22. Ross Braude
23. Edwill van der Merwe
24. Paschal Ekeji
25. Jean Smith
26. Hakeem Kunene
27. Mawande Mdanda
28. Willem van den Hever