A new lock pairing for Saturday’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship semi-final derby clash against the Vodacom Bulls in Pretoria is the only set of changes to the Hollywoodbets Sharks as they take continuity into selection for this massive local knock-out.

South African rugby’s continued investment into membership of northern hemisphere rugby competitions led to a R93m group loss in 2024, but the organisation had already wiped out that deficit with a strong start to 2025, the annual meeting of the South African Rugby Union (SARU) was told in Cape Town on Thursday.

Springbok and DHL Stormers utility back Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu added another significant accolade to his SA Rugby Young Player of the Year award by being crowned SA’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship Player of the Season for 2024/25.

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus named the same 54 players – nine of whom are uncapped – that attended the second national alignment camp in Cape Town last month in a large training squad for the opening stages of the international season, which kicks off on 28 June against the Barbarians, followed by the Castle Lager Incoming Series.

Hollywoodbets Sharks flanker and Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi, has downplayed the importance of playing his usual No. 6 or No. 7 flanker positions, stating his primary focus is simply being on the field.

The Hollywoodbets Sharks have a potential path to hosting the Vodacom United Rugby Championship final at Kings Park Stadium in the coming weeks, though it would require a specific set of results to go their way.

Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams is driven by more than just personal success as the Brazilians prepare to face Egyptian giants Pyramids in the second leg of the CAF Champions League final on Sunday at the 30 June Stadium (19:00). 

Two South African teams have reached the semi-finals of the United Rugby Championship after the Sharks held their nerve in a dramatic penalty shootout to defeat Munster at Kings Park Stadium on Saturday.

Sharks lock Eben Etzebeth has admitted that being sidelined for four months was frustrating. His return at this crucial juncture of the season is a significant boost for the Durban-based side.