Sharks head to Wales to face Scarlets

While much has been said of the Hollywoodbets Sharks aspirations in the EPCR Challenge Cup, the focus for the team is on the immediate challenge that lies ahead.

Lukhanyo Am leads a vastly experienced, Springbok-laden Hollywoodbets Sharks side for the team’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship Round 15 clash with Scarlets on Friday evening.

After a week’s break, head coach John Plumtree has brought back many of his experienced players for this clash in Wales, looking for their leadership and ability to deliver a winning performance.

Phepsi Buthelezi, selected at flank this week, warns that they have plenty to respect as they go into this match against the Welsh.

“They’re a bit of a mixed bag, really good forwards, guys who have been around for a long time, they have a really good kicking game and they’re a well-coached team.”

Scarlets are two log points behind the Hollywoodbets Sharks but will relish the opportunity to have a go at the Durban side.

“They’ve been unlucky a few times this season with the results and they’ll  want to get one over us, so it’s going to be a good challenge.”

Although much is being made of the Hollywoodbets’ historic EPCR Challenge Cup semi-final next weekend, Buthelezi is quite clear where the team’s attention is.

“Our focus is 100% on the Scarlets and what happens next week will be dealt with next week. In camp right now our only focus is to go out and perform really well against Scarlets.

“The focus now is on executing our processes and game plan. We want to better our performances in the URC because some of the results we got early in the season weren’t good enough and not up to our standard.”

Hollywoodbets Sharks
1. Ox Nche
2. Fez Mbatha
3. Vincent Koch
4. Eben Etzebeth
5. Emile van Heerden
6. Phepsi Buthelezi
7. Lappies Labuschagne
8. Vincent Tshituka
9. Grant Williams
10. Siya Masuku
11. Makazole Mapimpi
12. Ethan Hooker
13. Lukhanyo Am (c)    
14. Werner Kok *
15. Aphelele Fassi

Replacements
16. Kerron van Vuuren
17. Ntuthuko Mchunu
18. Hanro Jacobs
19. Corne Rahl
20. Gerbrandt Grobler
21. Jaden Hendrikse
22. Boeta Chamberlain
23. Francois Venter

*Denotes that the player will achieve his 50th cap for the Hollywoodbets Sharks in an international competition.

Players not available for selection this week due to injury 
•    Bongi Mbonambi
•    Coenie Oosthuizen
•    Curwin Bosch
•    Dan Jooste
•    Dylan Richardson 
•    George Cronje
•    James Venter

•    Reniel Hugo

•    Le Roux Roets

•    Lionel Cronje
•    Marnus Potgieter
•    Muller du Plessis 
•    Nevaldo Fleurs 
•    Zee Mkhabela