Hollywoodbets Sharks XV coach JP Pietersen has persisted with his policy of giving young players opportunities but at the same time he’s shored up his backline with some experience for his team’s first home game against the Toyota Free State Cheetahs on Saturday evening.
The Sharks won’t be playing the game at their usual headquarters of Hollywoodbets Kings Park but will be taking the game to the community, with Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Clermont the venue for the third round clash.
The Junior Bok World Championship winning flyhalf Vusi Moyo will be making his first start at flyhalf after playing off the bench last week, but he will have the experienced Marnus Potgieter alongside him at inside centre, with Diego Appolis coming in as the outside centre.
Yaw Penxe, another experienced player, comes in at wing so that Jaco Williams, another Junior Bok star, can switch to fullback.
In the tight five Pietersen has opted to bring in Jacques Marais at hooker for Bryce Calvert while Gideon Koegelenberg replaces Deon Slabbert at lock.
In the final change to the pack, SA under-20 loose-forward Matt Romao replaces Jannes Potgieter on the blindside flank. Potgieter will play off the bench, as will Jean Smith, who is the man to make way for Moyo to start at flyhalf.
After losing 64-0 to the Vodacom Blue Bulls in Pretoria last week Nick Hatton's men will be looking for a much improved performance but as the selected team signifies the main emphasis is on giving young players a chance to be introduced to senior rugby.
The recall of some senior players such as centre Pogieter and wing Penxe could make it easier for the youngsters around them to settle.
Hollywoodbets Sharks XV: Jaco Williams, Phiko Sobahle, Diego Appolis, Marnus Potgieter, Yaw Penxe, Vusi Moyo, Bradley Davids, Nick Hatton (captain), Matt Ramao, Tino Mavesere, Corne Rahl, Gideon Koegelenberg, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Jacques Marais, Phatu Ganyane. Replacements: Willem van den Heever, Simphiwe Ngobese, Dian Heunis, Coetzee le Roux, Jannes Potgieter, Ceano Everson, Jean Smith, Albie Bester.