Sharks team to face Stormers in Durban

The return-leg Vodacom United Rugby Championship derby match between the Hollywoodbets Sharks and DHL Stormers takes place at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday with the Durban side looking to pull off a stunning double over the previously unbeaten Cape side.

There’s a new front row for this match amongst a handful of changes to the side, Ox Nche, Fez Mbatha and Hanro Jacobs all start, as does Corne Rahl, ahead of Jason Jenkins who has been listed amongst the replacements.

Phepsi Buthelezi remains the only loose-forward who started last week, he’s joined by Siya Kolisi and Vincent Tshituka who both played off the bench last week.

The backline sees Grant Williams starting ahead of Jaden Hendrikse, the pair swapping jerseys for this match and Edwill van der Merwe replacing Yaw Penxe on the wing in the final change to the starting XV.

Captain Andre Esterhuizen acknowledges that despite last week’s bonus point victory over the DHL Stormers, they are not getting ahead of themselves as they focus on this second match against their coastal rivals.

“We have a lot to improve on, we are working hard, but to know there is so much improvement ahead of us after the win last weekend is a good sign that we are on the right path,” he admits.

“Last week was a tough and brutal game, but that’s a South African derby and you have to get up for everyone. We’re all in the right mindset, knowing that we can’t just give a once-off performance like that, we must back it up this weekend again.”

As the last game before a break, he explains that his team will be leaving nothing out there in their quest to take back-to-back victories over the DHL Stormers.

“Everyone wants to go into that break in a good way; there is massive motivation for this weekend.”

Aligned with his appointment as captain, the team’s fortunes have also picked up. While he is quick to credit a changed mindset under coach JP Pietersen, Esterhuizen’s lead-by-example play cannot be ignored.

“I’m getting used to the role and enjoying leading the team and with the backing of the boys and coaching staff, that makes it so much easier.

“I’m a big believer that you can’t tell someone to do something you wouldn’t do yourself.”  

Hollywoodbets Sharks
1.    Ox Nche
2.    Fez Mbatha
3.    Hanro Jacobs
4.    Corne Rahl
5.    Emile van Heerden
6.    Siya Kolisi
7.    Vincent Tshituka
8.    Phepsi Buthelezi
9.    Grant Williams
10.    Jordan Hendrikse
11.    Jaco Williams
12.    Andre Esterhuizen (C)
13.    Ethan Hooker
14.    Edwill van der Merwe
15.    Aphelele Fassi

Replacements
16.    Eduan Swart
17.    Phatu Ganyane
18.    Vincent Koch
19.    Jason Jenkins
20.    Nick Hatton
21.    Jaden Hendrikse
22.    Siya Masuku
23.    Jurenzo Julius