Regular captain Andre Esterhuizen always makes a massive difference to the Hollywoodbets Sharks when he is present so his return to lead the team against the Ospreys in Swansea on Saturday night is a huge boost for the Durbanites.
Esterhuizen’s Sprinngbok teammate Ethan Hooker slots in at wing to further strengthen the side that started in the EPCR Challenge Cup round of 16 game against Connacht in Galway two weeks ago, when he played off the bench.
However, the Sharks are still without Bok captain Siya Kolisi, who was in the tour group named for the tour that includes two key Vodacom URC matches, the second being against Edinburgh next Friday night, as the start of the week.
Coach JP Pietersen has backed Phatu Ganyane and Hanro Jacobs to start in the front row, something he has made a bit of a habit of since taking over from John Plumtree earlier in the season, with the experienced Boks Ox Nche and Vincent Koch again bringing impact of the bench.
Your Hollywoodbets Sharks to take on the Ospreys 🦈🖤@vodacom #urc pic.twitter.com/lry39KqQp3
— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) April 16, 2026
Manu Tshituka is back from injury to play at No 8, which partially makes up for the absence of Kolisi, with Pietersen going for a traditional five/three split between forwards and backs on the bench.
Loose-forward Nick Hatton is the only non front row forward among the reserves, which suggests Vincent Tshituka is the lock back-up.
There is one debutant in the form of 18-year-old Zekhethelo Siyaya, who has been pressed into action, and clearly has strong backing from Pietersen, due to the injuries to the other fullbacks Aphelele Fassi, Hakeem Kunene, Jaco Williams and the Luan Gilliomee.
Given how well the last mentioned, a 19-year-old, did in his debut against Munster, we should trust Pietersen’s judgment when it comes to talent - but there is no denying that Swansea is a tough place for a young fullback to play his first senior game.
“It will be a challenge for him in Wales and it may be a heavy pitch, but we are all behind him,” said Pietersen.
“Siyaya is a local KZN boy and very mature. When you have a conversation with him he’s very quiet, but he knows what he wants.”
The coach said Siyaya, who starred at Westville Boys’ High and earned SA Schools honours, has impressed since joining the senior setup.
Only 18 years old and his first chapter begins… 👏
— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) April 16, 2026
Zekhethelo Siyaya debuts in the 15 jersey this weekend. pic.twitter.com/KihoSvFhQw
“He looks so comfortable in his position and gives good comms when he is on the field,” Pietersen said.
“He understands the rugby detail, which is sometimes hard for young players to pick up quickly, but he is very mature and fits in so well. We are all excited to see what he can do.”
Meanwhile Pietersen confirmed that Kolisi’s absence was due to him being kept out as a precautionary measure as he was only two weeks into his comeback to training from a calf injury.
“Siya is in his second week of full training. He is not as young as he used to be, so it takes a bit of time to recover from a calf injury,” the coach explained.
“This (his absence) is more a precaution. He’s probably at 80 per cent and we want him at 100 per cent, so hopefully next week we’re all good to go.”
Hollywoodbets Sharks team: Zekhethelo Siyaya, Edwill van der Merwe, Le Roux Malan, Andre Esterhuizen (captain), Ethan Hooker, Jean Smith, Jaden Hendrikse, Manu Tshituka, Vincent Tshituka, Phepsi Buthelezi, Emile van Heerden, Jason Jenkins, Hanro Jacobs, Fez Mbatha, Phatu Ganyane.
Replacements: Eduan Swart, Ox Nche, Vincent Koch, Nick Hatton, Bradley Davids, Siya Masuku, Jurenzo Julius.