The Hollywoodbets Sharks face up against Ulster at Kingspan Stadium on Saturday evening,
looking to close out their overseas leg of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship pool
stages on a winning note.
With only two changes to his starting XV, head coach John Plumtree has largely stuck with
the same team that defeated Edinburgh last week, bringing in Jason Jenkins for the injured
Emile van Heerden at lock, with James Venter starting for Phepsi Buthelezi as the two loose
forwards swap jerseys for this match.
Continuity is key in any team sport and given the confidence taken from an away win against
a difficult opponent last week, the Hollywoodbets Sharks will look to take momentum into this
match.
Speaking from the team’s camp in Belfast, centre Andre Esterhuizen admits that the team is
in a good mental space and looking to finish off the two-week tour on a high before returning
to play two home games at Hollywoodbets Kings Park.
“We’ve taken a lot of learnings from our game against Edinburgh, and we’ve had a good
training week leading into this match against Ulster.
“The boys are looking focused and ready for the task ahead, everyone is in high spirits and
the mood in the camp is great.
“We’ve had a good tour so far, but we know we have a big, big game against Ulster. It’s a
massive game for them, their last home game and they’ll be amped. They also have some
players who will feature in their last ever home game for Ulster and we’re expecting a lot from
them.
“It’s going to be physical and fast, they are a great attacking side so our defence needs to be
on point and we also need to be sharp with our attack to execute all the opportunities we get,
and hopefully we put in a strong finish to the tour.”
Hollywoodbets Sharks
1. Ox Nche
2. Bongi Mbonambi
3. Vincent Koch
4. Eben Etzebeth (c)
5. Jason Jenkins
6. James Venter
7. Vincent Tshituka
8. Siya Kolisi
9. Jaden Hendrikse
10. Jordan Hendrikse
11. Makazole Mapimpi
12. Andre Esterhuizen
13. Lukhanyo Am
14. Ethan Hooker
15. Aphelele Fassi
Replacements
16. Fez Mbatha
17. Ntuthuko Mchunu
18. Hanro Jacobs
19. Manu Tshituka
20. Phepsi Buthelezi
21. Bradley Davids
22. Siya Masuku
23. Jurenzo Julius
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Official Sharks Press Release
