This Saturday, the Hollywoodbets Sharks will showcase a squad rich in Springbok talent as they face Exeter Chiefs in the opening round of the Investec Champions Cup at Hollywoodbets Kings Park.

Team captain Eben Etzebeth makes his return to lead the Hollywoodbets Sharks against their English counterparts, as they aim to assert their dominance and defend their home turf against Exeter.

“This encounter is vital, and we understand the significant challenge we have ahead of us this Saturday,” stated loose forward Phepsi Buthelezi.

“We’ve put in extensive preparation and are eager to embrace the challenge.”

After recent strong performances, the team is in a solid position and aims to extend their winning streak.

“We’ve gained considerable confidence from our performances in the VURC, and now it’s about harnessing that for this new tournament. The nature of this competition varies a bit, as we’ll be facing teams from different countries, but it ultimately comes down to how we perform within the four lines. We aim to carry that confidence into this competition.”

When looking ahead to Exeter, he acknowledges their strength as a competitor for Saturday’s match.

“We view Exeter as a top-quality team. We’ve analyzed their style of play, and they exhibit a strong ball-in-hand strategy. They’re well-coached and have many skilled players.”

Hollywoodbets Sharks

15. Aphelele Fassi

14. Eduan Keyter

13. Ethan Hooker

12. Andre Esterhuizen

11. Makazole Mapimpi

10. Jordan Hendrikse

9. Grant Williams

8. Siya Kolisi

7. Vincent Tshituka

6. James Venter

5. Emile van Heerden

4. Eben Etzebeth (Captain)

3. Trevor Nyakane

2. Bongi Mbonambi

1. Ox Nche

Replacements

16. Dylan Richardson

17. Ntuthuko Mchunu

18. Hanro Jacobs

19. Jason Jenkins

20. Phepsi Buthelezi

21. Jaden Hendrikse

22. Siya Masuku

23. Francois Venter

Unavailable players due to injuries:
– Ruan Dreyer
– Fez Mbatha
– Khwezi Mona
– Marnus Potgieter
– Abraham Reyneke
– Lukhanyo Am
– Gerbrandt Grobler