“Two Big Brothers Taking Each Other On” — Sharks Unleash Springbok Heavyweights For Stormers
After back-to-back home victories at Hollywoodbets Kings Park in the opening fortnight of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, the Hollywoodbets Sharks will face the DHL Stormers at Cape Town Stadium in their first away fixture of the tournament.
Head coach JP Pietersen has made several positional and rotational changes to his side for Saturday’s derby, reflecting a healthy respect for the challenge ahead while remaining firmly focused on the team’s ambitions.
Following their impressive contributions off the bench in last week’s victory over Leinster, Ox Nche, Eben Etzebeth and Ethan Hooker have been promoted to the starting line-up for Saturday’s clash.
Reflecting on the challenge ahead, Hollywoodbets Sharks scrum coach Philip Lemmer admitted that it will be a major battle between two familiar packs.
“It’s definitely going to be a massive battle this week. It’s like two big brothers taking each other on at scrum time because they all know one another really well, having scrummed together at the Boks and against each other as well,” said Lemmer.
“It’s a big contest and a big point of focus to see who can dominate at scrum time.”
The statistics indicate that the Hollywoodbets Sharks boast an impressive record at set-piece, with barely a blip at scrum and lineout time. For Lemmer, the focus is on controlling what the team can control and maintaining exceptionally high standards.
“Pre-season helps a lot, but the standards the guys set for themselves are gold for us,” said Lemmer.
“Each guy keeps the guy next to him accountable, and that’s the only way to drive standards.
“So, it’s our standards that are our fire. We’re not marking 90% or 100%; we’re marking standards on whether we nail the job or not, and that’s what keeps us accountable.
“If we maintain that, the results and good stats will come by themselves.”
Looking at the opposition and the bigger picture, Lemmer emphasised the importance of the derby both in terms of the standings and team morale.
“The local derbies are important for log points as well as the team’s morale, and regardless of who the DHL Stormers select, Boks or not, they’re a great team.
“We know it’s not going to be easy on Saturday. We’re in for a huge battle, and that’s just as it should be.
“It’s set to be a tight contest, but hopefully a great game that showcases the best of this coastal rivalry.”
Hollywoodbets Sharks
- Ox Nche
- Eduan Swart
- Thomas du Toit
- Eben Etzebeth
- Darrien Landsberg
- Matt Romao
- Manu Tshituka
- Phepsi Buthelezi
- Jaden Hendrikse
- Vusi Moyo
- Ethan Hooker
- Andre Esterhuizen (C)
- Jurenzo Julius
- Edwill van der Merwe
- Zekhethelo Siyaya
Replacements
- Esethu Mnebelele
- Cameron Dawson
- Vincent Koch
- Jason Jenkins
- Stephan Lewies
- Nick Hatton
- Ivan van Zyl
- Gianni Lombard*
