Kolisi leads Hollywoodbets Sharks
Siya Kolisi leads the Hollywoodbets Sharks in one of the most eagerly anticipated
rugby matches in recent times, as the Durban side, reigning EPCR Challenge Cup
champions, host Investec Champions Cup title-holders Toulouse at Hollywoodbets
Kings Park on Saturday.
This crucial third match of the pool stages pits two of the biggest names in franchise
rugby in what should be an epic showdown between two teams proudly representing
South Africa and France.
Bongi Mbonambi’s welcome return sees him form an all-Bok front row, alongside Ox
Nche and Vincent Koch, but sadly Eben Etzebeth has not been passed fit to play this
weekend. Also missing are centre Andre Esterhuizen and fullback Aphelele Fassi after
the duo were injured in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash with the DHL
Stormers.
Francois Venter partners Ethan Hooker in the midfield, while Makazole Mapimpi is
back in the starting line-up after missing the Stormers game. Hakeem Kunene is
named at fullback in the absence of Aphelele Fassi.
Commenting on the scrum battle and the return of his front row partner, Ox Nche
admits that given the size of the challenge they face, Bongi Mbonambi’s inclusion is a
big boost for the Hollywoodbets Sharks.
“Bongi is a vital part of the pack, but scrumming is a pack effort involving all eight guys,
and against a team like Toulouse, if one guy is off, it becomes very difficult.
“I’ve scrummed a lot of games with Bongi, so I connect well with him, we’re both on
the same page and he’s a big factor in our scrum.”
Hollywoodbets Sharks
15. Hakeem Kunene *
14. Yaw Penxe
13. Ethan Hooker
12. Francois Venter
11. Makazole Mapimpi
10. Jordan Hendrikse
9. Jaden Hendrikse
1. Ox Nche
2. Bongi Mbonambi
3. Vincent Koch
4. Corne Rahl
5. Jason Jenkins
6. Phepsi Buthelezi
7. Emmanuel Tshituka
8. Siya Kolisi (c)
Replacements
16. Dylan Richardson
17. Ruan Dreyer
18. Trevor Nyakane
19. Jeandre Labuschagne
20. Vincent Tshituka
21. Nick Hatton
22. Bradley Davids
23. Jurenzo Julius
*Denotes debut for the Hollywoodbets Sharks in the Investec Champions Cup
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