It’s bottom-of-the-log, but far from bottom-of-the-heart as the Hollywoodbets Sharks XV gear up to host DHL Western Province under the Friday night lights at Kings Park. Both sides are desperate to get back in the winner’s circle and, with youthful squads and proud histories, expect a fiery coastal showdown with more on the line than just log points.
For Sharks head coach JP Pietersen, the growth of this young group remains front and centre. Despite a gut-wrenching loss to the Griquas last week, there’s plenty to be encouraged by – especially after leading at the break against one of the Currie Cup’s form teams.
“I’m immensely proud of the boys for showing effort and fight,” said Pietersen. “To be up at half-time and to lead the game… It just showed how far we’ve come. We’re moving in the right direction.”
But there’s still plenty of polishing to do. The set-piece, in particular, is an area Pietersen and his coaching team have identified as a “big work-on” heading into the clash against Western Province.
“The more you play, the more cohesion you get. There were really good performances last week, and they did the Sharks jersey proud,” he added.
Pietersen also reiterated that the Currie Cup campaign is part of a bigger puzzle – prepping players for the rigours of United Rugby Championship action later in the year.
“We’re very aware of the mental toll of losing, especially on young players. But Plum’s [John Plumtree] been having positive chats with the guys about where they’re headed and how close they are to the URC mix. This campaign is about building, blooding and backing players.”
Province Tinker as Levy Demands Full 80
Western Province, like their Durban hosts, have endured a frustrating season with flashes of potential undone by inconsistency. Last weekend’s narrow loss to the Cheetahs in Bloem was another bitter pill, but coach Labeeb Levy believes his side is getting closer to that elusive complete performance.
“We’ve seen improvements, especially as cohesion builds,” Levy explained. “But we haven’t yet strung together the full 80-minute display we know we’re capable of. That’s the goal this week.”
Levy has made six changes to the starting XV as Province chase just their second win of the campaign. The experienced Cabous Eloff returns at loosehead prop, while Paul de Villiers brings energy and physicality to the flank. In the backline, a new halfback pairing of Ezekiel Ngobeni and Kyle Smith will steer the ship, with Luke Burger and Jared Africa providing fresh legs on the wings.
“Paul is a quality player who we’re expecting to make an impact on both sides of the ball,” said Levy. “We know it’s going to be another tough outing in Durban, but the boys are up for it.”
What to Expect: Young Guns, Big Stakes
Yes, this is a clash between the bottom two teams on the Currie Cup table, but it’s far from a dead rubber. Both teams are brimming with young talent desperate to stake a claim for higher honours. And with no relegation in play, it’s the kind of match that frees up attacking ambition.
Look out for a tactical battle early on, especially between two new flyhalves – Jean Smith for the Sharks and Kyle Smith for Province. Breakdown dominance will be key, with Thurlow Marsh and Paul de Villiers squaring off in the loose. Out wide, it’s anyone’s guess who’ll spark first – but keep an eye on Province’s Tristan Leyds and the Sharks’ Phiko Sobahle, both capable of game-breaking moments.
With pride on the line, expect a scrap – but also a glimpse into the next generation of SA rugby stars.
MATCH INFO
📍 Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban
🕖 Friday, 23 August | 19:10 Kick-off
🏆 Carling Currie Cup – Round 6
DHL WESTERN PROVINCE
15. Tristan Leyds
14. Jared Africa
13. Gino Cupido
12. Damian Markus
11. Luke Burger
10. Kyle Smith
9. Ezekiel Ngobeni
8. Louw Nel
7. Riley Norton
6. Paul de Villiers
5. Gary Porter (C)
4. Alex Groves
3. Zachary Porthen
2. Scarra Ntubeni
1. Cabous Eloff
Replacements:
16. Luca Bakkes
17. Oliver Reid
18. Herman Lubbe
19. Enos Ndiao
20. De Wet Marais
21. Asad Moos
22. Ronald Brown
23. Brendan Venter
