It looks like unless the two teams end up meeting in the knockout phase that Eben Etzebeth will complete another season with the Hollywoodbets Sharks without facing his former team, the DHL Stormers.
Etzebeth is a significant absentee from the Sharks team that has been selected for Saturday’s big Vodacom United Rugby Championship derby at the DHL Stadium.
But the good news for Sharks fans is that Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, who is understood to be considering a move back to his former franchise next season, is back to lead the side from No 8.
With Bongi Mbonambi and Lukhanyo Am still out injured, it looks like Sharks coach John Plumtree has selected his strongest available team.
🔥Your Hollywoodbets Sharks team for Saturday's Coastal derby 🔥
— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) December 27, 2024
Read full team release article here https://t.co/64oqvBvhVj@Vodacom #URC #STOvSHA pic.twitter.com/pM0wjVXu6v
A possible exception is Bok World Cup winning wing Makazole Mapimpi, who is not listed among the injured players but also doesn’t find a place in the team.
Plumtree has brought Jurenzo Julius in as Andre Esterhuizen’s partner in the midfield and it will be interesting to see how Boogey Man, as he is known, goes in what will be one of his biggest games so far in the Sharks jersey.
Ethan Hooker, who is normally the outside centre when Am does not play, has been chosen on the left wing.
The two Hendrikse brothers are at halfback and Aphelele Fassi in his usual position of fullback, while Emmanuel Tshituka, who continues at blindside flank, showed in winning the man of the match award against the Vodacom Bulls last week how much depth there is for the Sharks in that position.
He was playing in place of his still injured brother, Vincent.
With the exception of the return of Kolisi, who withdrew at the 11th hour last week, the team is similar to the one that prevailed against the Bulls in Durban a week ago.
Hollywoodbets Sharks team: Aphelele Fassi, Yaw Penxe, Jurenzo Julius, Andre Esterhuizen, Ethan Hooker, Jordan Hendrikse, Jaden Hendrikse, Siya Kolisi (captain), Manu Tshituka, Phepsi Buthelezi, Emile van Heerden, Jason Jenkins, Vincent Koch, Dylan Richardson, Ox Nche.
Replacements: Bryce Calvert, Ruan Dreyer, Trevor Nyakane, Corne Rahl, Nick Hatton, Bradley Davids, SIya Masuku, Francois Venter.