Two home wins in the bag, the Hollywoodbets Sharks now face their first road trip of the season. JP Pietersen on the DHL Stormers threat, Matt Romao and 19-year-old fullback Zekhethelo Siyaya.
Today’s third round Vodacom United Rugby Championship coastal derby between the Hollywoodbets Sharks and DHL Stormers at the Cape Town Stadium will pit two well-matched, Springbok-laden sides in a mouth-watering match that promises plenty of fireworks.
Coming off two home wins, the Hollywoodbets Sharks are brimming with confidence, but not overly so as they acknowledge the size of the contest they will fight against a team playing at home for the first time this season, looking to get their home campaign off to a strong start after losing to Edinburgh last weekend.
For head coach JP Pietersen, this is what coaching is all about as his side takes on an equally imposing South African team, both full of Springboks and both with a point to prove.
“They have a very good team but it’s good for us to have all our Boks back and we’re looking forward to a good outing in Cape Town,” he admitted.
“It’s going to be an outstanding game and you can see that with the team they’ve picked, they’ll want a big start and they’ll want to play fast with the loosies they’ve picked. With Wilco Louw picked at tighthead, they’ll also be very good upfront.
“It’s going to be a big challenge and a great opportunity.”
Winning at home is part of his team’s DNA and that box has been ticked most emphatically, but now they find themselves in an altogether different situation, looking to pick up an away victory against a side equally determined to win at home.
“Playing away in the VURC is tough, every team is tough at home and we know the challenge that faces us in Cape Town and you can see that in the teams that have been selected.”
The selection of Matt Romao is an interesting one given the huge challenge that the DHL Stormers pose in this game, but the youngster has earned his stripes.
“It was always part of the plan for him to play this week, and next week again. It’s an opportunity for Matt and the fact that both teams have chosen a 6-2 split on the bench, it’s going to be a physical battle.”
With Luan Giliomee having departed for the Vodacom Bulls, young Zekhethelo Siyaya gets an opportunity to shine on the big stage, having been handed the fullback jersey for this massive game.
“He’s a good rugby player, understands the game well and he has a great work-ethic. He can play 10 as well which helps us out by giving us a second playmaker.
“He’s an outstanding kid, just 19-years-old and we have to remember that he’s still just a kid, even though he shows a lot of maturity on the field.
“I’m excited to see what he produces.”
After two games and back-to-back wins at Hollywoodbets Kings Park, the Hollywoodbets Sharks are on the road and a first real test for them away from home.
“It’s aways tough playing away in this competition, but it’s an opportunity and a challenge for us to test our DNA and how we want to play against a very good DHL Stormers team.
“We know we will need to compete and stay physical for the full 80 minutes and I see this as an opportunity to see how we’re going as a team, whether we’re short somewhere or on track with our progress.”
