Flanker Bathobele Hlekani is set to light up the field in his European debut as the Sharks gear up to face Toulouse this Sunday in the Investec Champions Cup. The match not only marks a significant step for Bathobele but also an emotional farewell for Sharks' head coach John Plumtree, making this clash a must-watch event.
The young flanker, having shown his mettle in the Vodacom URC and this year's Currie Cup, is now ready to test his skills in the more challenging waters of Europe’s premier club competition. Joining him in this European adventure is lock JJ Scheepers, who will also be making his debut at this level.
Captain Nick Hatton is set to lead the team, bringing his robust experience and leadership to the forefront in what promises to be a tightly contested game. The match against Toulouse isn't just another game; it's also the curtain call for Coach Plumtree, who will be stepping down after this game.
"It's an emotional moment for the team, and we aim to give Plum the send-off he deserves," said Nick Hatton.
The Sharks lineup is a blend of seasoned warriors and young guns, all ready to make their mark. The starting fifteen include Hakeem Kunene at fullback, with Yaw Penxe and Makazole Mapimpi as speedsters on the wings. The midfield will see Le Roux Malan and Francois Venter pairing up, while the halfback duties are in the capable hands of Jordan Hendrikse and Ross Braude.
The pack is bolstered by the likes of Matt Romao and Marvin Orie, alongside the debutants Hlekani and Scheepers. The front row features Mawande Mdanda, Eduan Swart, and Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, setting a solid foundation for the game.
The bench looks promising as well, with the likes of Fez Mbatha, Simphiwe Ngobese, and Jaden Hendrikse ready to inject fresh energy when called upon.
As the 2025/26 season kicks off with such an electrifying match-up, all eyes will be on Bilbao, where the trophy awaits its next champion. Will the Sharks rise to the occasion under the European spotlight? Sunday’s game will tell.
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Flanker Bathobele Hlekani is set to light up the field in his European debut as the Sharks gear up to face Toulouse this Sunday in the Investec Champions Cup. The match not only marks a significant step for Bathobele but also an emotional farewell for Sharks' head coach John Plumtree, making this clash a must-watch event.
The young flanker, having shown his mettle in the Vodacom URC and this year's Currie Cup, is now ready to test his skills in the more challenging waters of Europe’s premier club competition. Joining him in this European adventure is lock JJ Scheepers, who will also be making his debut at this level.
Captain Nick Hatton is set to lead the team, bringing his robust experience and leadership to the forefront in what promises to be a tightly contested game. The match against Toulouse isn't just another game; it's also the curtain call for Coach Plumtree, who will be stepping down after this game.
"It's an emotional moment for the team, and we aim to give Plum the send-off he deserves," said Nick Hatton.
The Sharks lineup is a blend of seasoned warriors and young guns, all ready to make their mark. The starting fifteen include Hakeem Kunene at fullback, with Yaw Penxe and Makazole Mapimpi as speedsters on the wings. The midfield will see Le Roux Malan and Francois Venter pairing up, while the halfback duties are in the capable hands of Jordan Hendrikse and Ross Braude.
The pack is bolstered by the likes of Matt Romao and Marvin Orie, alongside the debutants Hlekani and Scheepers. The front row features Mawande Mdanda, Eduan Swart, and Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, setting a solid foundation for the game.
The bench looks promising as well, with the likes of Fez Mbatha, Simphiwe Ngobese, and Jaden Hendrikse ready to inject fresh energy when called upon.
As the 2025/26 season kicks off with such an electrifying match-up, all eyes will be on Bilbao, where the trophy awaits its next champion. Will the Sharks rise to the occasion under the European spotlight? Sunday’s game will tell.
Sharks Team: 15 Hakeem Kunene, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Le Roux Malan, 12 Francois Venter, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Ross Braude, 8 Nick Hatton (c), 7 Bathobele Hlekani, 6 Matt Romao, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 JJ Scheepers, 3 Mawande Mdanda, 2 Eduan Swart, 1 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko. Bench: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Simphiwe Ngobese, 18 Cebo Dlamini, 19 Jannes Potgieter, 20 Tinotenda Mavesere, 21 Jaden Hendrikse, 22 Jean Smith, 23 Phikolomzi Sobahle.