Sharks team for first URC game
The Hollywoodbets Sharks’ Vodacom United Rugby Championship campaign kicks off this weekend with a trip to Galway in Ireland to take on Connacht at Dexcom Stadium on Saturday evening.
John Plumtree used the last few weeks of the Currie Cup tournament for the dual purpose of competing and getting his URC players back to match fitness after their break following a long, tough and also successful 2023/24 season that culminated in EPCR Challenge Cup glory.
The team facing Connacht sees only four changes in the pack of forwards, with the backline unchanged from last week’s Currie Cup winning team.
Dylan Richardson replace Fez Mbatha, Ruan Dreyer replacing Hanro Jacobs, Jason Jenkins replacing Corne’ Rahl and Gerbrandt Grobler replacing Emile van Heerden.
The bench sees a 6-2 split with Reniel Hugo and Gurswin Wehr coming into the match day 23.
Match kicks off is 20h35 (CAT).
Hollywoodbets Sharks
1. Mtuthuko Mchunu, 2. Dylan Richardson, 3. Ruan Dreyer, 4. Jason Jenkins, 5. Gerbrandt Grobler, 6. James Venter, 7. Vincent Tshituka (C), 8. Manu Tshituka, 9. Bradley Davids, 10. Siya Masuku, 11. Ethan Hooker, 12. Andre Esterhuizen, 13. Jurenzo Julius, 14. Eduan Keyter, 15. Jordan Hendrikse
Replacements
16. Fez Mbatha, 17. Trevor Nyakane, 18. Hanro Jacobs, 19. Corne’ Rahl, 20. Reniel Hugo, 21. Tino Mavesere, 22. Tian Meyer, 23. Gurswin Wehr
Payers not available for selection due to injury: Braam Reyneke, Diego Appollis, Emile van Heerden, Ig Prinsloo, Khwezi Mona, Marnus Potgieter, Phepsi Buthelezi, Siya Ningiza, Thomas Dyer & Yaw Penxe