Eben Etzebeth returns for Sharks along with other World Cup Boks

The injection of Rugby World Cup-winning Springboks back into the Sharks fold is a major boost for the side ahead of their United Rugby Championship clash with the Dragons RFC at Hollywoodbets Kings Park.

Sharks welcome back Eben Etzebeth and more

Head coach John Plumtree has welcomed back lock Eben Etzebeth, scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse, wing Makazole Mapimpi into the starting line-up alongside Lukhanyo Am, who takes on the captaincy duties after making his return last week, while their national team-mates Ox Nche and Grant Williams will add firepower off the bench.

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Fez Mbatha returns to action, taking over from Dylan Richardson at hooker after the Kearsney College old boy had to have surgery on his thumb, putting him out of action for approximately eight weeks.

Talking about what these World Cup winners bring to the team, Sharks attack coach Dave Williams explained: “We’ve been celebrating the achievements of the Hollywoodbets Sharks players returning from the Rugby World Cup with them, and they’ve brought a huge amount of energy with them which has been great for us as a collective.

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“Having these players back and the confidence they bring has been contagious, and the rest of the group are all excited for Saturday’s game.”  

Although the results haven’t gone the way of the Sharks this campaign, there’s no reason to overthink things. But everyone involved does understand the need to turn things around.

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“We have a long-term plan, but the immediate focus is around getting excited about finishing opportunities that we’re creating and maximising those rewards.

“We’ve spoken as a group around evolving our game and building pressure with the ball and through our transition game. We’re seeking rewards and the focus is on getting those conversions on the back of good rugby.

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“Working for a franchise like this, you embrace the pressure of expectation. In terms of this being a must-win, we go out every game to deliver a performance that wins rugby games, and that’s no different this week.”

Hollywoodbets Sharks

1. Ntuthuko Mchunu

2. Fez Mbatha

3. Coenie Oosthuizen

4. Eben Etzebeth

5. Emile van Heerden

6. James Venter

7. Phepsi Buthelezi

8. Sikhumbuzo Notshe

9. Jaden Hendrikse

10. Curwin Bosch

11. Makazole Mapimpi

12. Francois Venter 

13. Lukhanyo Am (c)

14. Werner Kok

15. Aphelele Fassi

Replacements

16. Daniel Jooste

17. Ox Nche

18. Hanro Jacobs

19. Corne Rahl

20. Jeandre Labuschagne

21. Grant Williams

22. Boeta Chamberlain

23. Rohan Janse van Rensburg

Players not available for selection due to injury or suspension

• Bongi Mbonambi 

• Dylan Richardson (Thumb surgery)

• Eduan Keyter

• Francois Hougaard 

• George Cronje (suspension)

• Gerbrandt Grobler

• Hyron Andrews (suspension)

• Kerron van Vuuren 

• Muller du Plessis 

• Nevaldo Fleurs 

• Reniel Hugo 

• Vincent Koch 

• Vincent Tshituka