The Hollywoodbets Sharks XV are locking in for a bruising Carling Currie Cup encounter this Friday night as they welcome old rivals DHL Western Province to Kings Park. Kick-off is set for 19:10, and if there’s one thing this youthful Sharks outfit has shown, it’s that they’re not afraid to scrap – even when the odds are stacked.
With the tournament seen as a vital platform for building depth, both teams have embraced youth development this season. But make no mistake – there’s nothing developmental about the intensity we’re expecting under the Durban lights.
After a gutsy showing last week in Kimberley – where the Sharks fell short against the Griquas side – head coach JP Pietersen has rung the changes. Six in total, with one positional shuffle thrown in, as he looks to spark something extra from his young chargers.
Backline Reshuffle: Return of the Flyers
In the back three, Jaco Williams returns to his natural habitat on the wing after a stint at fullback last weekend. The change sees Hakeem Kunene reclaim the number 15 jersey, giving the Sharks an extra counter-attacking edge from deep.
There’s a new flyhalf pulling the strings too – Jean Smith steps in for Vusi Moyo, while the explosive Phiko “PK” Sobahle makes his return out wide. PK’s power and pace will be a welcome boost against a Western Province side that thrives in broken play.
Diego Appollis and Marnus Potgieter keep their midfield pairing intact, providing stability and go-forward in the centres. At scrumhalf, Ceano Everson continues to impress with his tempo and game management.
Big Boys Ready to Rumble
Among the forwards, hooker Liam van Wyk gets a start in place of Bryce Calvert, bringing fresh legs and physicality to the front row. Lock Le Roux Coetzee is back in the engine room alongside Deon Slabbert, while loose forward Tino Mavesere returns on the flank, replacing the promising Matt Romao.
The captaincy remains with Nick Hatton, a player whose work rate and leadership continue to set the tone for this young side. His combination with Bathobele Hlekani and Mavesere will be critical in securing clean ball and shutting down WP’s mobile back row.
Bench Brings Balance
The Sharks bench features a solid mix of impact and utility. Willem van den Hever and Phiwayinkosi Kubheka offer grunt in the front row, while Corne Rahl and Jannes Potgieter bring fresh fire for the second and back rows. Scrumhalf Bradley Davids, versatile back Drico Marx, and Albie Bester round off a well-balanced 23-man squad.
A Glimpse at the Bigger Picture
Coach Pietersen’s approach to the Currie Cup this season has been pragmatic: build now, compete later. But if the Sharks’ gritty displays so far are anything to go by, they’re not just showing up for the learning experience – they’re here to scrap for points and pride.
“We’re seeing these youngsters grow each week,” said Pietersen earlier this week. “Last week’s result hurt, but there were a lot of positives. It’s about keeping the energy up and executing better in key moments.”
Friday Night Lights
Expect fireworks at Kings Park. WP, always dangerous, will bring a mix of experience and flair – but the Sharks will fancy their chances in front of a home crowd. It’s about momentum now, and with the tournament moving into its business end, every minute matters.
Durban locals, bring your gees – this one’s shaping up to be a proper Currie Cup scrap.
HOLLYWOODBETS SHARKS XV vs DHL WESTERN PROVINCE
📍 Hollywoodbets Kings Park
🕢 Friday, 23 August | 19:10 Kick-off
Starting XV:
- Phatu Ganyane
- Liam van Wyk
- Lee-Marvin Mazibuko
- Le Roux Coetzee
- Deon Slabbert
- Tino Mavesere
- Bathobele Hlekani
- Nick Hatton (C)
- Ceano Everson
- Jean Smith
- Jaco Williams
- Marnus Potgieter
- Diego Appollis
- Phiko Sobahle
- Hakeem Kunene
Replacements:
16. Willem van den Hever
17. Phiwayinkosi Kubheka
18. Mawande Mdanda
19. Corne Rahl
20. Jannes Potgieter
21. Bradley Davids
22. Drico Marx
23. Albie Bester
