Siya Kolisi’s will make a welcome return to action following a calf injury in what will be his 50th appearance for the Hollywoodbets Sharks, when they take on Edinburgh in Friday night’s final away match of the regular season in this year’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship.
As defence coach Joey Mongalo reported earlier this week, where there is opportunity there is hope, and this team, with their backs to the wall, will look to demonstrate their pedigree, but more than that, deliver a performance fitting of the character they possess.
Head coach JP Pietersen continues the pattern of trying to maintain continuity, build cohesion and survive a devastating injury toll, with Springbok Ethan Hooker the latest in a long line of players on the sidelines following a most unfortunate incident against the Ospreys.
That’s the disappointing news, but on an optimistic note, there are minimal changes as the Hollywoodbets Sharks look to finish their two-week overseas tour on a high against a team also chasing a top 8 finish.
There are just two changes to the starting line-up, the pack remaining intact while Makazole Mapimpi comes in for Hooker who suffered a dislocated shoulder last week, and captain Andre Esterhuizen shifting to outside centre, partnering Siya Masuku in the midfield.
Teenage sensation Zekhethelo Siyaya remains at fullback after his breakthrough debut against the Ospreys, and he can only benefit from having the Bok captain alongside him later in the game
Friday evening’s clash kicks off at 8.45pm.
Hollywoodbets Sharks
- Phatu Ganyane
- Fez Mbatha
- Hanro Jacobs
- Jason Jenkins
- Emile van Heerden
- Phepsi Buthelezi
- Vincent Tshituka
- Emmanuel Tshituka
- Jaden Hendrikse
- Jean Smith
- Makazole Mapimpi
- Siya Masuku
- Andre Esterhuizen (C)
- Edwill van der Merwe
- Zekhethelo Siyaya
Replacements
- Eduan Swart
- Ox Nche
- Vincent Koch
- Corne Rahl
- Nicholas Hatton
- Siya Kolisi *
- Bradley Davids
- Marnus Potgieter
*Denotes a 50th appearance for the Hollywoodbets Sharks in an international competition
Players not considered for selection due to injury/rehab:
Aphelele Fassi, Bongi Mbonambi, Bryce Calvert, Coetzee le Roux, Eben Etzebeth, Ethan Bester, Ethan Hooker, Francois Venter, Grant Williams, Hakeem Kunene, Jaco Williams,
Jordan Hendrikse, Jurenzo Julius, Le Roux Malan, Luan Giliomee, Marvin Orie, Matt Romao, Ruan Dreyer, Simphiwe Matanzima, Tom Dyer, Trevor Nyakane, Yaw Penxe