Sharks Set Sights on Scarlets Despite European Glory
While the Hollywoodbets Sharks’ run in the EPCR Challenge Cup has garnered much attention, their immediate focus remains on the upcoming challenge.
Lukhanyo Am captains a highly experienced Sharks squad brimming with Springboks for their Vodacom United Rugby Championship Round 15 clash against the Scarlets on Friday evening.
Following a week’s break, head coach John Plumtree has reintegrated several seasoned players for this Welsh encounter, seeking their leadership and match-winning capabilities.
Phepsi Buthelezi, selected at flanker this week, acknowledges the respect they hold for the Scarlets.
“They’re a bit of a mixed bag,” he says. “They have a very good forward pack with experienced players, a strong kicking game, and are well-coached.”
The Scarlets, currently two points behind the Sharks in the standings, will relish the opportunity to challenge the Durban side.
“They’ve been unlucky with results this season and will be looking to get one over us, so it’ll be a good test,” Buthelezi continues.
Despite the upcoming historic EPCR Challenge Cup semi-final, Buthelezi emphasizes the team’s current focus.
“Our focus is entirely on the Scarlets. We’ll deal with next week when it arrives. Right now, our sole objective is to go out there and perform exceptionally well against the Scarlets,” he said.
“Our current priority is executing our processes and game plan effectively. We want to improve our performances in the URC. Some of our earlier results this season weren’t good enough and fell short of our standards.”
Hollywoodbets Sharks
- Ox Nche
- Fez Mbatha
- Vincent Koch
- Eben Etzebeth
- Emile van Heerden
- Phepsi Buthelezi
- Lappies Labuschagne
- Vincent Tshituka
- Grant Williams
- Siya Masuku
- Makazole Mapimpi
- Ethan Hooker
- Lukhanyo Am (c)
- Werner Kok *
- Aphelele Fassi
Replacements
- Kerron van Vuuren
- Ntuthuko Mchunu
- Hanro Jacobs
- Corne Rahl
- Gerbrandt Grobler
- Jaden Hendrikse
- Boeta Chamberlain
- Francois Venter
*Denotes player achieving his 50th cap for the Hollywoodbets Sharks in an international competition.
