Masuku’s return headlines Sharks XV team to take on red-hot Boland at Woodburn
It’s rugby time in the KZN Midlands, and Pietermaritzburg is set to host a sizzling Carling Currie Cup showdown as the Hollywoodbets Sharks XV welcome the in-form Sanlam Boland Kavaliers to Woodburn Stadium this Saturday at 5:10pm.
This clash marks the penultimate round of the pool stages, and with both teams still in the hunt for top honours, expect fireworks under the Maritzburg sky.
The Boland side, newly promoted to the competition, have been nothing short of sensational. They’ve barrelled into the Currie Cup with the kind of hunger and grit that makes fans sit up and take notice. With four wins from five, including notable victories against the defending champs Airlink Pumas, the Bulls, Lions and Cheetahs, they’ve planted their flag firmly among the big dogs — currently sitting second on the log.
Their spearhead? Flyhalf Danrich Visagie, who’s lighting up the stat sheets with a tournament-leading 50 points. He’ll be itching to add to that tally, but he’ll have to do it against a Sharks XV team buzzing with confidence after toppling DHL Western Province 29-21 last week.
Sharks Reload with New Firepower
Head coach JP Pietersen has shuffled the pack and backline, ringing six changes to keep things fresh and dangerous.
Starting with a bang, experienced flyhalf Siya Masuku returns to the Currie Cup fold, donning the No. 10 jersey for the first time this season. That sees Jean Smith shifting to the bench, giving the side an extra layer of depth and dynamism. Out wide, Paschal Ekeji gets the nod ahead of Jaco Williams, while hard-running Albie Bester slides into inside centre in place of Marnus Potgieter.
Up front, hooker Jacques Marais returns to the starting XV, replacing Liam van Wyk, and powerhouse prop Mawande Mdanda comes in after a solid impact off the bench last week. The ever-reliable Jannes Potgieter is in at blindside flank, as Batho Hlekani moves to the bench — where his physical presence is sure to be a second-half weapon.
Captain Nicholas Hatton leads a pack full of muscle and mobility, while speedsters like PK Sobahle and Diego Apollis give the backline that cutting edge. Expect fireworks from the back three, especially with Hakeem Kunene anchoring things from fullback.
Local Pride, Big Occasion
For Pietermaritzburg rugby faithful, this is more than just another fixture — it’s a proper occasion. Having a Currie Cup game played at Woodburn Stadium is a nod to the city’s growing rugby footprint, and the Sharks XV are eager to deliver a performance worthy of their Midlands supporters.
Speaking during the week, coach Pietersen stressed the importance of momentum: “We’ve turned a corner in the last few games, and Saturday’s match is another chance for these boys to put a marker down. Boland have shown they’re here to compete, but so are we — and there’s no better place to do it than in front of our home fans in Pietermaritzburg.”
What to Watch For
Tactically, this is shaping up to be a game of contrast. Boland bring a structured but enterprising style, led by Visagie’s boot and calm head. The Sharks, meanwhile, have the flair and the forward firepower to strike from anywhere — especially with Masuku pulling the strings at 10.
The midfield pairing of Bester and Apollis will be key to breaching the Kavaliers’ defence, while Ceano Everson at scrumhalf will need to keep things ticking quickly to capitalise on momentum.
Hollywoodbets Sharks XV
1. Phatu Ganyane
2. Jacques Marais
3. Mawande Mdanda
4. Coetzee Le Roux
5. Deon Slabbert
6. Tino Mavesere
7. Jannes Potgieter
8. Nicholas Hatton(C)
9. Ceano Everson
10. Siya Masuku
11. Paschal Ekeji
12. Albie Bester
13. Diego Apollis
14. Phikolomzi “PK” Sobahle
15. Hakeem Kunene Replacements
16. Bryce Calvert
17. Dian Bleuler
18. Lee-Marvin Mazibuko
19. Bathobele Hlekani
20. Matt Romao
21. Tiaan Fourie
22. Jean Smith
23. Christie Grobbelaar
Stat Corner
- Boland: 4 wins from 5, currently 2nd on the log
- Danrich Visagie: Leading Currie Cup point-scorer (50)
- Sharks XV: Coming off a bonus-point win over WP
- Siya Masuku: First Currie Cup appearance this season
Final Word
This one’s got all the ingredients: rising stars, seasoned heads, and two sides that love to attack. Saturday in Pietermaritzburg won’t just be about log points — it’ll be about pride, rhythm, and sending a strong message heading into the business end of the Carling Currie Cup.
So, grab your mates, bring your vuvuzelas, and get down to Woodburn — because this one is not to be missed.
