The Hollywoodbets Sharks will host the visiting Scarlets at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday evening in the final round of the pool stages of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.
There is strong motivation for this game, as they chase a solid performance and a winning one that will, if Leinster defeat Glasgow Warriors later in the evening, will guarantee them third place on the log and with that, the honour of hosting the sixth placed team in the quarter-finals in two weeks’ time.
Head coach John Plumtree has freshened up his pack with four changes, but retained his backs, opting for continuity and growth of a dangerous and exciting backline.
Amongst the forwards, Ox Nche returns at loosehead prop after missing last week’s game, taking over from Dian Bleuler, with Emile van Heerden also making his return to the second row with Jason Jenkins shifting to the bench, in place of Emmanuel Tshituka (concussion) who had a strong cameo in last week’s clash with the Ospreys, when he replaced Eben Etzebeth after the Springbok legend had taken a knock to the leg.
The good news is that Etzebeth has been passed fit to play, with Plumtree admitting after the game that the Hollywoodbets Sharks captain was a swift healer and that has materialised.
The 131-capped Bok will continue to lead the side and the vice-captaincy handed to Andre Esterhuizen with Siya Kolisi out and the eighthman jersey worn by Phepsi Buthelezi, another replacement in last week’s 29-10 victory who brought immense energy onto the field.
The final change sees Tino Mavesere replacing James Venter on the side of the scrum.
Currently in sixth place on the log, Scarlets’ hold on a top 8 finish isn’t assured, with the four trailing sides below them all still in the hunt for the knock-outs.
They are chasing a first ever appearance in the knock-outs since the tournament was changed from the Pro14 to the VURC, all of which just adds spice to this highly-anticipated match.
Saturday’s clash at Hollywoodbets Kings Park kicks off at 7.30pm.
Hollywoodbets Sharks
1. Ox Nche
2. Bongi Mbonambi
3. Vincent Koch
4. Eben Etzebeth (C)
5. Emile van Heerden
6. Tino Mavesere
7. Vincent Tshituka
8. Phepsi Buthelezi
9. Jaden Hendrikse
10. Siya Masuku
11. Makazole Mapimpi
12. Andre Esterhuizen
13. Jurenzo Julius
14. Ethan Hooker
15. Aphelele Fassi
Replacements
16. Fez Mbatha
17. Ntuthuko Mchunu
18. Hanro Jacobs
19. Jason Jenkins
20. Nick Hatton
21. Bradley Davids
22. Francois Venter
23. Yaw Penxe
