The Hollywoodbets Sharks travel to George on Friday to take on the DHL Stormers at Outeniqua Park Rugby Stadium, George for a pre-season warm-up match ahead of the upcoming Vodacom United Rugby Championship that kicks off in two weeks’ time.
Hollywoodbets Sharks head coach John Plumtree has selected a 28-man squad to travel to the Garden Route city, one that doesn’t differ too significantly from the players who were involved in last Friday night’s double-header at Hollywoodbets Kings Park.
There’s a first start this season for prop Ruan Dreyer, while Junior Bok star Bathobele Hlekani remains at lock after being selected there last week.
There’s plenty of experience spread around the team, led by eighthman Vincent Tshituka with centre Lukhanyo Am in the vice captaincy role.
The bench sees some interesting faces, including Ross Braude, the Canadian scrumhalf who hails from Bloemfontein, was schooled at Grey College, represented the Vodacom Blue Bulls at age group level before playing his senior rugby in Canada and with the Airlink Pumas as recently as this season’s Carling Currie Cup.
Also named is new recruit Edwill van der Merwe who turned out for the Springboks as recently as their test match against the Wallabies last month.
With the Springboks still immersed in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship, Plumtree has numerous Carling Currie Cup players at his disposal and fans of the Hollywoodbets Sharks will be familiar with most of the players that will be involved in this match.
Kickoff is at 18h00.
Hollywoodbets Sharks
- Phatu Ganyane
- Fez Mbatha
- Ruan Dreyer
- Bathobele Hlekani
- Jason Jenkins
- Phepsi Buthelezi
- Manu Tshituka
- Vincent Tshituka (c)
- Jaden Hendrikse
- Siya Masuku
- Christie Grobbelaar
- Francois Venter
- Lukhanyo Am
- PK Sobahle
- Yaw Penxe
Replacements
- Eduan Swart
- Dian Bleuler
- Lee-Marvin Mazibuko
- Deon Slabbert
- Tino Mavesere
- Nick Hatton
- Ross Braude
- Edwill van der Merwe
- Paschal Ekeji
- Jean Smith
- Hakeem Kunene
- Mawande Mdanda
- Willem van den Hever