The Hollywoodbets Sharks will be looking to end their URC season with a bang against Zebre at Hollywoodbets Kings Park in the final round of action on Saturday.
To Win
Hollywoodbets Sharks | Draw | Zebre
Handicap
Hollywoodbets Sharks | Zebre
Match context
Despite having nothing but pride to play for and contending with a massive injury list, JP Pietersen managed to field a very exciting team against Benetton a week ago as the Sharks look ahead to next season. The most notable selection was that of 18-year-old Zekhethelo Siyaya at No 10, and the Westville Old Boy certainly didn’t disappoint — going on to deliver a promising performance that will give his coach plenty of food for thought going forward.
Despite fullback being his primary position, Siyaya’s talent is such that he looked right at home at pivot, and Sharks supporters will be ecstatic at the way he’s developing under Pietersen. The side has recently been linked with a move for experienced flyhalves like James O’Connor, and while the former Wallaby would undoubtedly add value in the short term, it would be fantastic to see the franchise back home-grown players like Siyaya instead; ones who’ve come through their system in KZN.
The youngster is likely to be backed again against Zebre, but perhaps more focus will be on Siya Kolisi as the Springbok captain prepares to run out in Sharks colours for the final time. The 34-year-old Stormers centurion will be returning to Cape Town and leaves behind something of an odd legacy at Hollywoodbets Kings Park.
Unless you’re Racing 92 owner Jacky Lorenzetti, you’d never accuse Kolisi of lacking effort on a rugby pitch, but the fact is he’s never truly hit the heights hoped of him in Durban since moving there in 2021. His decision to move to Paris in 2023 coincided with the Sharks winning the EPCR Challenge Cup, and unfortunately the decision to bring him back the following season just hasn’t produced anything tangible.
Still, he’ll be intent on giving the fans something to remember him by against a Zebre outfit that has endured something of a season from hell. The Parma club have won just twice all season and remain rooted to the very bottom of the log following their 54-19 defeat at Loftus Versfeld last week.
All things considered; the Sharks should be comfortable winners at the final kick-off, as they were in their most recent 46-7 thumping of Benetton.
Players to watch
Siya Kolisi (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
Kolisi plays his last game for the Sharks and is likely to be the centre of attention on Saturday (though that’s nothing new). The flanker was as hardworking as ever against Benetton after having worked his way back from injury, and this match will, aside from the farewell sideshow, also serve as a way for the Bok skipper to continue finding his best form ahead of the upcoming international season.
Thomas Dominguez (Zebre)
The 26-year-old Paris-born Argentine scrumhalf scored the third and final try in his side’s heavy defeat to the Bulls and will be a key figure on Saturday in the face of the Sharks’ physicality. His decision-making with whatever ball he receives from his pack will be telling, with his forwards unlikely to challenge those of the hosts’ for the full 80.
Tactical overview
The Sharks’ were brutal in contact against Benetton, with their forward pack never allowing their counterparts to get any kind of sustained momentum in the encounter. Captain Andre Esterhuizen was particularly impressive at inside centre, and positively battered the Italian club whenever he got his big mitts on the ball.
His partner Jurenzo Julius was equally influential, albeit in a different manner, with the former Paul Roos product helping himself to a hattrick after making a mockery of the Benetton defence with his speed and agility. The Sharks really do have a wealth of options in midfield if you consider Ethan Hooker is still out injured, and the Esterhuizen-Julius combo should deliver another seismic showing against Zebre if their forwards repeat what they did last time out.
Zebre had little answer against the Bulls in Round 17 and it’s hard to see them making big improvements in such a short turnaround. They could look to target Siyaya’s channel with their carries, but keeping any meaningful possession won’t come easy.
Prediction
Get on the Hollywoodbets Sharks to clear the handicap as they aim at putting the season behind them and moving on to the next.
