The Hollywoodbets Sharks have named a powerhouse lineup to face Benetton this Saturday, featuring Springbok stars Siya Kolisi and Ox Nche.
Youngster Zekhethelo Siyaya earns a surprise start at fly-half in the penultimate match of the 2026 season.
Head coach JP Pietersen has made several changes to the side since the last match, some of them injury-enforced, with André Esterhuizen captaining a team packed with experience and featuring an intriguing selection at flyhalf.
Siya Kolisi, who starts at flank, is one of the seasoned campaigners expected to bring composure and attacking quality to the side as the Sharks look to finish the final two weeks of the tournament on a positive note after a season that promised much but ultimately fell short of expectations.
“It’s been a tough week for us after not making the top eight. We’re really disappointed, especially with the group that we have. We definitely should have qualified, and we have no excuses,” said Kolisi.
“We want to finish strong because it hurts. The fans have been so supportive, and we couldn’t deliver for them or the club. We know we should have been better than we were. We have a big challenge this week — they’re a great team who have beaten some big sides this season — so we want to finish strongly in these last two games and build going forward.”
On a personal note, the Springbok captain will depart the Sharks at the conclusion of the tournament in a bittersweet move back to Cape Town, where he will be closer to his children.
“It’s been tough. It’s going to be hard to say goodbye to the boys. It’s been a special place, and the people welcomed me and my family,” he admitted.
“My kids love the team and the city of Durban, so thanks to everyone for welcoming me and my family.
“I’m going to enjoy the last two weeks here. I’m grateful to the Sharks for everything — for supporting me, understanding how important family is, and helping me get closer to my kids.”
Kolisi is joined in the starting line-up by fellow Springboks Ox Nché and Vincent Koch in the front row, while promising youngster Siyaya has been handed the flyhalf jersey after impressing with his recent opportunities. Jurenzo Julius partners with Esterhuizen in midfield.
Sharks Team
- Ox Nché
- Eduan Swart
- Vincent Koch
- Jason Jenkins
- Emile van Heerden
- Siya Kolisi
- Vincent Tshituka
- Emmanuel Tshituka
- Bradley Davids
- Zekhethelo Siyaya
- Makazole Mapimpi
- André Esterhuizen (captain)
- Jurenzo Julius
- Edwill van der Merwe
- Jaco Williams
Replacements
- Fez Mbatha
- Phatu Ganyane
- Hanro Jacobs
- Corne Rahl
- Nicholas Hatton
- Ross Braude
- Jean Smith
- Litelihle Bester
