The Hollywoodbets Sharks XV have named a blend of youthful talent and experienced heads in their matchday squad for their Currie Cup clash against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
Kick-off is at 17:10.
Head coach JP Pietersen has made several changes to his side, including the introduction of four Junior Springboks, fresh off their successful World Rugby U20 Championship campaign.
New wave of energy
Jaco Williams, Simphiwe Ngobese, Matt Romao, and Vusi Moyo have all earned spots in the matchday squad, bringing a new wave of energy to the Sharks.
Williams, who impressed with his pace and finishing ability in the U20 Championship, takes up a position on the left wing, replacing Khuthi Rasivhaga, who moves to the bench.
Ngobese, who has been versatile in the forward pack, will provide depth at prop, while Romao, a back-row powerhouse, is named as a replacement forward.
Moyo, the top scorer of the Junior Boks in their victorious 23-15 final against the Junior All Blacks, will also start from the bench.
Known for his precise kicking, distribution skills, and strong physical presence, Moyo scored 63 points in the tournament, making him the highest point scorer at the global U20 showpiece.
Solidity
The Sharks’ forward pack sees some key changes as well, with lock Corne Rahl and flanker Tino Mavesere stepping into the starting line-up.
Rahl takes over from Gideon Koegelenberg, while Mavesere replaces Mawande Mdanda.
These changes are expected to bring added solidity and experience to the Sharks’ pack.
Additionally, the inclusion of tighthead prop Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, the 28-year-old former Western Province and Stormers stalwart, is a significant boost to the Sharks’ scrummaging strength.
Mazibuko returns to South Africa after a season with Racing 92 in France.
The Sharks were hammered 46-5 by the Lions in their opening round Currie Cup clash last weekend, while the Bulls beat Western Province 48-23 in their opener.
TEAMS
Bulls
TBA
Sharks
15 Hakeem Kunene, 14 Phiko Sobahle, 13 Litelihle Bester, 12 Janco Purchase, 11 Jaco Williams, 10 Jean Smith, 9 Bradley Davids (vice-captain), 8 Nick Hatton (captain), 7 Jannes Potgieter, 6 Tino Mavesere, 5 Deon Slabbert, 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 2 Bryce Calvert, 1 Phatu Ganyane
Replacements: 16 Jacques Marais, 17 Simphiwe Ngobese, 18 Dian Heunis, 19 Gideon Koegelenberg, 20 Matt Ramao, 21 Ceano Everson , 22 Vusi Moyo, 23 Albie Bester
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Kick-off: 17:10
Referee: Sean Muller (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Dylen November (South Africa), Lulutho Matomela (South Africa)
TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)
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