Rugby | Your Hollywoodbets Sharks Team for Saturday's Currie Cup Final

The Hollywoodbets Sharks XV will take continuity in team selection as well as momentum and confidence into Saturday’s Carling Currie Cup Final against the Fidelity ADT Lions at Emirates Airline Park.

Fidelity ADT Lions vs. Hollywoodbets Sharks XV

An eight-game unbeaten streak, including a win over the Lions towards the end of July – the Joburg team’s only loss in the pool stages – provides the team with the perfect build-up for the big finale.

Hollywoodbets Sharks assistant coach Warren Whitely admits that the team is in a good space but acknowledges the sizable challenge that lies ahead.

“We’re proud of the effort and character shown in last week’s semi-final and now we’re in the final which is really special, a great opportunity for us,” he points out.

“We’ve built nicely over the last few weeks, the Lions are also a great side, that’s why they’re top of the log and they’ve proved that throughout the competition.

“It’s going to be a massive test for us, but one we’re really looking forward to. This is the final and we’re treating it with respect; we want to honour the tradition of the Currie Cup.

“We’re looking forward to the challenge, the Lions are a quality side who got the better of us a couple of times, they have a massive, dominant pack and some explosive backs   and we can’t wait to get out there.”

Head coach John Plumtree has largely stuck with last week’s semi-final team, making just two changes, one amongst the forwards and the other in the backline.

Plumtree has named Emmanuel Tshituka at eighthman for Phepsi Buthelezi after playing off the bench last week, while Jurenzo Julius returns at outside centre to partner with Springbok Andre Esterhuizen in the midfield.

Hollywoodbets Sharks XV

1.    Ntuthuko Mchunu
2.    Fez Mbatha
3.    Hanro Jacobs
4.    Corne’ Rahl
5.    Emile van Heerden
6.    James Venter
7.    Vincent Tshituka (c)
8.    Emmanuel Tshituka
9.    Bradley Davids
10.    Siya Masuku
11.    Ethan Hooker
12.    Andre Esterhuizen
13.    Jurenzo Julius
14.    Eduan Keyter
15.    Jordan Hendrikse

Replacements
16.    Dylan Richardson
17.    Trevor Nyakane
18.    Mawande Mdande
19.    Jason Jenkins *
20.    Gerbrandt Grobler
21.    Tinotenda Mavesere
22.    Tian Meyer
23.    Lionel Cronje

* denotes possible debut for the Hollywoodbets Sharks

Players not considered for selection due to injury:
 - Braam Reyneke
 - Dan Jooste
 - Diego Appollis
 - Hakeem Kunene
 - IG Prinsloo
 - Khwezi Mona
 - Marnus Potgieter
 - Phepsi Buthelezi
 - Siya Ningiza
 - Thomas Dyer
 - Yaw Penxe

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