Team Release: Brothers in Arms
10/03/2024 08:00 AM
Two sets of brothers will run out for the Hollywoodbets Sharks in Saturday's second Vodacom United Rugby Championship game on the road when they meet Dragons RFC in Newport, Wales.
Fresh off his Rugby Championship exploits for the title-winning Springboks, Jaden Hendrikse comes into the starting line-up, joining brother and fullback Jordan, with the Tshituka brothers, captain Vincent and Emmanuel both playing in the back row.
Jaden Hendrikse, in for Bradley Davids at scrumhalf, is the only change made by head coach John Plumtree to the starting XV, with Phepsi Buthelezi and Francois Venter returning to the side, both named on the bench.
With a 100% success record against the Dragons in the three VURC campaigns to date, the Hollywoodbets Sharks have history behind them. But, according to forwards coach Warren Whiteley, they take no expectation into this game based on past results.
"We have high standards for ourselves and regardless of who we play, we put that pressure on ourselves to perform. We were disappointed in our second half performance against Connacht, but what's great about this competition is that we have another opportunity this week.
"The Dragons gave Leinster a good go last week and beat Ospreys in the first round, so they're a quality side, particularly at home, and they'll be determined to get a victory there, so we know what we're up against.
"But we're focusing on bettering our game, on improving the execution of our game model."
Fortunately for the Hollywoodbets Sharks, this is more of a settled week after a short trip from Ireland into Wales as they prep for Saturday's clash.
"We've had our first full week in quite a long time to prepare for this game, and that's lekker because we're nice and settled," said Whiteley.
"What's important for us is that we've taken lessons out of last week's game and we really have to look forward to the challenge that the Dragons will bring to this match."
He added that a crucial phase of the game is the early stages when the result can often be set up and this is a focal point for the team.
"They have some quality players and strengths in certain areas and we know how important a good start is. For us, it's about being more accurate in the first 20 minutes and applying pressure, or transferring pressure if needs be, and then keeping ball in hand in the right areas to put points on the board.
"It's a good challenge and it's great to tour early in the season, you feel connected as a group."
Hollywoodbets Sharks
- Ntuthuko Mchunu
- Dylan Richardson
- Ruan Dreyer
- Jason Jenkins
- Gerbrandt Grobler
- James Venter
- Vincent Tshituka (c)
- Manu Tshituka
- Jaden Hendrikse
- Siya Masuku
- Ethan Hooker
- Andre Esterhuizen
- Jurenzo Julius
- Eduan Keyter
- Jordan Hendrikse
Replacements
- Fez Mbatha
- Trevor Nyakane
- Hanro Jacobs
- Corne Rahl
- Phepsi Buthelezi
- Cameron Wright
- Lionel Cronje
- Francois Venter
Players not considered for selection due to injury:
Braam Reyneke
Diego Appollis
Emile van Heerden
IG Prinsloo
Khwezi Mona
Marnus Potgieter
Siya Ningiza
Thomas Dyer
Yaw Penxe
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