Defending EPCR Challenge Cup champions, the Hollywoodbets Sharks have named an exciting team to play Lyon Olympique Universitaire in Sunday’s EPCR Challenge Cup knockouts at Stade Gerland.
Head coach John Plumtree has made changes to the team as he negotiates his way through simultaneous tournaments over the next two months.
Andre Esterhuizen and Yaw Penxe have retained their starting spots in the backline.
Ntuthuko Mchunu, Fez Mbatha and Ruan Dreyer form the new starting front row, while Corne’ Rahl and Gerbrandt Grobler start as the lock pairing.
Tino Mavesere, Jannes Potgieter and Nick Hatton will form the loose trio, with Hatton handed the captaincy armband.
Amongst the backs, Bradley Davids is in for Jaden Hendrikse while Siya Masuku starts for Jordan Hendrikse. On the wing, Litelihle Bester does duty with Yaw Penxe. The final two changes see Francois Venter come in for Jurenzo Julius and Hakeem Kunene named at fullback.
Defence coach Joey Mongalo acknowledges just what the Hollywoodbets Sharks face as they go up against a competitive Lyon side.
“They’re your typical French side, their forwards are large units which will help them set-piece wise. They’re a strong scrumming team and they maul quite well.
“In summary, a transition game, French flair, we’ve got to deal with a strong set-piece and some individual brilliance from a couple of individuals that we’ll have to deal with.”
Conditions will be different, the crowd is hostile to visiting teams and the weather far removed from what the team has experienced in South Africa, and Durban in particular.
“Anybody who follows the French Top 14 sees that teams win at home, even teams who are struggling, they put great emphasis on winning at home,” Mongalo explains. “Every French team takes massive pride in how they perform at home, we’re away from home and can expect a passionate home crowd. We’re not unaware of what’s coming. Our prep will be about connecting and being mentally ready for what’s coming on Sunday evening.”
The Round of 16 knock-out clash kicks off at 6.30pm.
Hollywoodbets Sharks
- Ntuthuko Mchunu
- Fez Mbatha
- Ruan Dreyer
- Corne’ Rahl
- Gerbrandt Grobler
- Tino Mavesere
- Jannes Potgieter
- Nic Hatton (Captain)
- Bradley Davids
- Siya Masuku
- Litelihle Bester
- Andre Esterhuizen
- Francois Venter
- Yaw Penxe
- Hakeem Kunene
Replacements
- Ethan Bester
- Dian Bleuler
- Mawande Mdanda
- Emile van Heerden
- Bathobele Hlekani
- Tiaan Fourie
- Jean Smith
- Jurenzo Julius
