Rugby news from KwaZulu-Natal:
Team Release: Dragons vs. Hollywoodbets Sharks:
Friday evening sees the Hollywoodbets Sharks and Dragons going head-to-head in a second round Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash at Rodney Parade in Newport.
Hollywoodbets Sharks head coach John Plumtree has kept his forward pack intact from last week, while he brings in three changes to the backline.
Jean Smith takes over from Jaden Hendrikse who filled in at flyhalf last week, but reverts to scrumhalf, with Ross Braude playing off the bench.
Lukhanyo Am shifts from outside to inside centre, opening the way for Jurenzo Julius to come in as his midfield partner, and the final change sees Edwill van der Merwe moving to fullback in place of the injured Yaw Penxe, with PK Sobahle named on the wing.
Much of the continuity is based around the positives the team took from their week one match against Glasgow last week.
For Hollywoodbets Sharks loose-forward Phepsi Buthelezi, there was enough to be optimistic about, while acknowledging that they also have work-ons as they look to build at this early stage of the tournament.
“Having looked back at the game, we know we could have been better in certain aspects which was disappointing from our side and definitely something we’re good to look to improve on this week,” he said this week from the team’s camp in Newport.
“But there were a lot of positives and even though we’ll never be happy with a loss, we must look to take those positives into the Dragons game.
“It’s really simple from our side: we want our fans to see a proud and hardworking Hollywoodbets Sharks team that’s going to go out and work hard for one another and show pride in the Sharks jersey.
“Something we’ve spoken a lot about during the preseason was working hard for the badge and that’s what we want to show on Friday night.”
Hollywoodbets Sharks
- Simphiwe Matanzima
- Fez Mbatha
- Ruan Dreyer
- Deon Slabbert
- Marvin Orie
- Phepsi Buthelezi
- Manu Tshituka
- Vincent Tshituka (c)
- Jaden Hendrikse
- Jean Smith
- Christie Grobbelaar
- Lukhanyo Am
- Jurenzo Julius
- PK Sobahle
- Edwill van der Merwe
Replacements
- Eduan Swart
- Cameron Dawson*
- Cebo Dlamini*
- Bathobele Hlekani
- Nick Hatton
- Ross Braude
- Francois Venter
- Hakeem Kunene
Players not considered for selection due to injury: Albie Bester, Aphelele Fassi, Bradley Davids, Bryce Calvert, Coetzee le Roux, Corne Rahl, Diego Appollis, Emile van Heerden, Ethan Bester, Gideon Koegelenberg, Hanro Jacobs, Jaco Williams, Jason Jenkins, Jannes Potgieter, Jordan Hendrikse, Litelihle Bester, Phatu Ganyane, Siya Masuku, Trevor Nyakane and Yaw Penxe.
The post Team Release: Dragons vs. Hollywoodbets Sharks appeared first on The Sharks Durban.
AN UNMISSABLE EXPERIENCE:
This past weekend, the Shark Tank transformed into a battleground as the Springboks clashed with Argentina in front of a roaring Durban crowd. The rugby was nothing short of electric, with the Boks storming to a 67–30 victory – and our very own Hollywoodbets Sharks stars delivering standout performances that had the stadium on its feet.
But the magic didn’t stop when the final whistle blew. From Desmond & the Tutus to Veranda Panda and Biggy, live performances turned Hollywoodbets Kings Park into the ultimate party. The atmosphere was unforgettable – a reminder that matchday at the Shark Tank isn’t just about rugby, it’s an all-round entertainment experience.
And here’s the best part: this was just the beginning. With the Vodacom United Rugby Championship (VURC) season kicking off, we’ve got even bigger clashes, louder crowds, and unforgettable SharksFest experiences on the horizon. From fireworks to food markets, world-class rugby to South Africa’s top performers like Mafikizolo and Mi Casa – every Big Game promises to be unmissable.
The only way to guarantee your seat? A Hollywoodbets Sharks Seasonal Membership. Starting from just R950, memberships include:
- Access to the six biggest home games of the season
- Entry to knockout rounds
- Live concerts from SA’s hottest artists
- Exclusive member benefits and perks
No stress about scrambling for tickets. No missing out when the stadium sells out. Just guaranteed action, entertainment, and value all season long.
Don’t just watch the season happen. Be part of it.
Secure your seasonal membership today – because the Shark Tank is where memories are made.
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