Sharks name team for Dragons clash

Two sets of brothers will run out for the Hollywoodbets Sharks in Saturday’s second Vodacom United Rugby Championship game on the road when they meet Dragons RFC in Newport, Wales.

Fresh off his Rugby Championship exploits for the title-winning Springboks, Jaden Hendrikse comes into the starting line-up, joining brother and fullback Jordan, with the Tshituka brothers, captain Vincent and Emmanuel both playing in the back row.

Jaden Hendrikse, in for Bradley Davids at scrumhalf, is the only change made by head coach John Plumtree to the starting XV, with Phepsi Buthelezi and Francois Venter returning to the side, both named on the bench.

With a 100% success record against the Dragons in the three URC campaigns to date, the Hollywoodbets Sharks have history behind them. But, according to forwards coach Warren Whiteley, they take no expectation into this game based on past results.

“We have high standards for ourselves and regardless of who we play, we put that pressure on ourselves to perform. We were disappointed in our second half performance against Connacht, but what’s great about this competition is that we have another opportunity this week.

“The Dragons gave Leinster a good go last week and beat Ospreys in the first round, so they’re a quality side, particularly at home, and they’ll be determined to get a victory there, so we know what we’re up against.

“But we’re focusing on bettering our game, on improving the execution of our game model.”

Fortunately for the Hollywoodbets Sharks, this is more of a settled week after a short trip from Ireland into Wales as they prep for Saturday’s clash.

“We’ve had our first full week in quite a long time to prepare for this game, and that’s lekker because we’re nice and settled,” said Whiteley.

“What’s important for us is that we’ve taken lessons out of last week’s game and we really have to look forward to the challenge that the Dragons will bring to this match.”

He added that a crucial phase of the game is the early stages when the result can often be set up and this is a focal point for the team.

“They have some quality players and strengths in certain areas and we know how important a good start is. For us, it’s about being more accurate in the first 20 minutes and applying pressure, or transferring pressure if needs be, and then keeping ball in hand in the right areas to put points on the board.

“It’s a good challenge and it’s great to tour early in the season, you feel connected as a group.”

Hollywoodbets Sharks
1.    Ntuthuko Mchunu
2.    Dylan Richardson
3.    Ruan Dreyer
4.    Jason Jenkins
5.    Gerbrandt Grobler
6.    James Venter
7.    Vincent Tshituka (c)
8.    Emmanuel Tshituka
9.    Jaden Hendrikse
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.    Phepsi Buthelezi
21.    Cameron Wright
22.    Lionel Cronje
23.    Francois Venter

The following players are not available for selection due to injury:

- Braam Reyneke
- Diego Apollis
- Emile van Heerden
- IG Prinsloo
- Khwezi Mona
- Marnus Potgieter
- Siya Ningiza
- Thomas Dyer
- Yaw Penxe