John Plumtree takes over Sharks Currie Cup campaign
08/29/2024 06:42 AM
Sharks coach JP Pietersen has returned to his Under 21 duties with their campaign continuing again this week, while head coach John Plumtree takes over the reins for the remainder of the Currie Cup.
Plumtree has brought in some of his players currently in Vodacom United Rugby Championship preseason training, as well as selecting new signings Ruan Dreyer at prop, Emmanuel Tshituka at flank and Jordan Hendrikse at fullback.
Nick Hatton leads as John Plumtree takes Sharks helm
Nick Hatton continues in his role as captain, leading the side as he has so well all season.
He will call on the experience of players both in the starting lineup and off the bench, certainly the return of wing Makazole Mapimpi from the Springboks is a big boost, as are the likes of young Ethan Hooker, James Venter, Fez Mbatha, Dylan Richardson and Vincent Tshituka.
The Hollywoodbets Sharks are back at Hollywoodbets Kings Park for the final two rounds of the Carling Currie Cup competition, hosting the NovaVit Griffons on Saturday in the penultimate pool match.
With six players absent through injury the depth of the Sharks squad will be on display in Durban.
The Sharks are third on the overall log and second in the group heading towards the final two rounds of action. The heat will be on the Durban side with competition for playoff places really heating up. The Pumas remain hot on the heels of the Sharks.
As things stand the Griffons are well out of contention for a semi-final place but would love to cause problems for the Sharks on their own patch.
Saturday's match at Hollywoodbets Kings Park kicks off at 13:00.
The Hollywoodbets Sharks XV
1. Braam Reynecke
2. Fez Mbatha
3. Ruan Dreyer
4. Corne' Rahl
5. Reniel Hugo
6. James Venter
7. Emmanuel Tshituka
8. Nick Hatton (C)
9. Bradley Davids
10. Lionel Cronje
11. Makazole Mapimpi
12. Francois Venter
13. Ethan Hooker
14. Eduan Keyter
15. Jordan Hendrikse
Replacements
16. Dylan Richardson
17. Dian Bleuler
18. Hanro Jacobs
19. Emile van Heerden
20. Vincent Tshituka
21. Tian Meyer
22. Siya Masuku
23. Litelihle Bester
Players not available for selection due to injury:
Diego Apollis
Ethan Bester
Chris Horak
Jannes Potgieter
IG Prinsloo
Hakeem Kunene
Who will win the Currie Cup?
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