The Hollywoodbets Sharks XV are set to roll into Loftus Versfeld this Saturday with fresh legs, fast feet, and a few fire-starters from the Junior Boks ranks, as they prepare to take on the Vodacom Blue Bulls in Round 2 of the Carling Currie Cup. Kick-off is at 17:10—and make no mistake, this one’s got all the ingredients for a proper north-south classic.
After easing a few of the youngsters in slowly last week, head coach JP Pietersen has thrown the next generation of Sharks into the deep end—confident that their world-beating pedigree can turn the tide in Pretoria.
Junior Boks Bring the Buzz
South Africa’s U20 champions—the Junior Boks—tore through their recent World Championship campaign, and now four of their brightest stars are ready to shine on the Currie Cup stage. Jaco Williams, Simphiwe Ngobese, Matt Romao, and Simphiwe “Vusi” Moyo all crack the matchday 23 this week, with big expectations to follow.
Speedster Jaco Williams gets a start on the wing, bringing with him the finishing touch and sharp pace that made him a standout at youth level. He takes over from Khuthi Rasivhaga, who shifts to the bench.
Up front, Ngobese (a versatile prop/flank) slots in among the reserves, while Matt Romao, a hard-hitting back-rower, brings muscle and impact off the bench. But it’s Moyo, the tournament’s top points scorer at the Junior World Cup with 63 points, who adds real intrigue. Known for his silky passing, physical carries and reliable boot, he’s primed to make his Currie Cup debut in style.
Fresh Firepower Up Front
Alongside the youthful energy, Pietersen has opted for some experienced muscle to match the physicality of the Bulls pack. Corne Rahl comes in at lock, and Tino Mavesere gets a run at flank, both earning starts after solid cameos last week.
In a major boost, 28-year-old tighthead Lee-Marvin Mazibuko makes his first start after returning from a stint with Racing 92 in France. The former DHL WP and Stormers enforcer adds serious grit to the front row—vital at a place like Loftus, where the scrums are often battles of attrition.
The Backline Remains Steady
Captain Nick Hatton leads the charge from eighth man, backed by his vice-captain Bradley Davids at scrumhalf. Jean Smith continues at flyhalf, directing traffic with the calm and composure needed to unleash the young outside backs. Janco Purchase, Litelihle Bester, Phiko Sobahle, and Hakeem Kunene round out an exciting, attack-minded backline that’s ready to turn on the gas in Pretoria.
Matchday Squad – Round 2 vs Vodacom Bulls
Starting XV:
- Phatu Ganyane
- Bryce Calvert
- Lee-Marvin Mazibuko
- Corne Rahl
- Deon Slabbert
- Tino Mavesere
- Jannes Potgieter
- Nick Hatton (C)
- Bradley Davids (VC)
- Jean Smith
- Jaco Williams *
- Janco Purchase
- Litelihle Bester
- Phiko Sobahle
- Hakeem Kunene
Replacements:
16. Jacques Marais
17. Simphiwe Ngobese *
18. Dian Heunis
19. Gideon Koegelenberg
20. Matt Romao *
21. Ceano Everson *
22. Simphiwe Moyo *
23. Albie Bester *
(*denotes possible Currie Cup debut)
Final Word
This isn’t just another Currie Cup fixture—this is a big test of depth, culture, and the future of Sharks rugby. The blend of hardened pros and hungry up-and-comers is exactly what the competition thrives on.
Coach JP Pietersen summed it up best earlier this week: “These young guys have proven themselves on the world stage. Now it’s about stepping up in senior rugby, fronting up to pressure, and grabbing the moment.”
Saturday night under the lights at Loftus? That’s a heck of a place to start. Let’s see what this new wave of Sharks can do.
