The imposing figure of Andre Esterhuizen will be back to lead the team against the Vodacom Bulls in their crucial Vodacom URC derby at Loftus on Saturday but the Hollywoodbets Sharks team will still be well short of full strength.
It was anticipated that most of the Shark’s big-name Springboks would be back for the Pretoria game after they missed out on last week’s disappointing defeat at the hands of the Lions in Johannesburg. However, as it turns out they are well short of the strength they were when they headed to Cape Town to play the Stormers and then hosted the Cape side the following week.
While Ox Nche makes a welcome return at loosehead prop and Esterhuizen is back in his No 12 jersey, most of the other marquee players are missing.
Our Origin Round lineup 🔥 pic.twitter.com/n8zS92zqv1
— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) February 26, 2026
There is no Ethan Hooker, no Grant Williams and no Siya Kolisi in the side that will start at Loftus, while Eben Etzebeth is still out serving his suspension and Bongi Mbonbambi is still injured. There is also no Aphelele Fassi at fullback.
Fassi started against the Lions and was a steady fixture in the Sharks backline in both games against the Stormers but is not taking up the last line of defence this time, with that role instead being entrusted to Jaco Williams, who moves from the wing.
Veteran Bok World Cup winner Makazole Mapimpi does partially off-set the absence of Fassi by returning on the wing, with fellow Bok Edwill van der Merwe continuing on the other wing, but in a game at altitude where the aerial battle will be particularly crucial in determining the outcome, Fassi’s absence is likely to be felt.
There has been no word from the Sharks as to whether Fassi is injured or being rested as per the Bok resting protocols, and ditto the other Bok absentees.
Even though there are many names missing, the Sharks starting side does look slightly stronger than last week’s at Ellis Park, with Phepsi Buthelezi moving back into the No 8 jersey after playing as a replacement a week ago, with Thomas Dyer moving to the bench, while Jordan Hendrikse is back as the halfback partner for his fellow Bok brother Jaden. Siya Masuku will play off the bench at Loftus.
Jurenzo Julius, who was a threat on attack particularly late in the game against the Lions, moves from inside centre to outside centre to accommodate Esterhuizen.
This weekend round of matches is the state of origin heritage round, which means the players will be wearing the socks of the schools they attended and their schools are also listed alongside their names in the team announcement.
Hollywoodbets Sharks team: Jaco Williams (Glenwood High), Edwill van der Merwe (Paul Roos Gimnasium), Jurenzo Julius (Paul Roos Gimnasium), Andre Esterhuizen (captain - Hoerskool Klerksdorp), Makazol Mapimpi (Jim Mvabaza Senior Secondary School), Jordan Hendrikse (Glenwood High), Jaden Hendrikse (Glenwood High), Phepsi Buthelezi (DHS), Vincent Tshituka (Northcliff High), Tino Mavesere (Churchill Boys High School - Zimbabwe), Emile van Heerden (Paarl Boys High), Jason Jenkins (St Albans College), Vincent Koch (Huguenot High School), Eduan Swart (Hoerskool Oos-Moot), Ox Nche (HTS Louis Botha).
Replacements: Fez Mbatha (Maritzburg College), Phatu Ganyane (Glenwood High), Hanro Jacobs (Paul Roos Gimnasium), Corne Rahl (Oakdale), Thomas Dyer (Hilton College), Ross Braude (Grey High School), Siya Masuku (Piet Retief High), Yaw Penxe (Queens College).