Ethan and Makazole start as Sharks welcome back Bok quartet

The Hollywoodbets Sharks will welcome back two current Springboks into the starting team as well as two on the bench for Saturday’s third round Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash with Leinster in Dublin.

As anticipated, Ethan Hooker and Makazole Mapimpi will return to the team on the wing, while Bongi Mbonambi and Vincent Koch will give the replacement front row some oomph from the bench.

The match day squad has been further bolstered by the return from injury of another player with Bok experience to the starting team in the form of lock Jason Jenkins, who will partner fellow international in the second row, as well as flyhalf Siya Masuku. Both Masuku and Jenkins have been out since being injured in the pre-season friendly against the DHL Stormers in George.

Although Masuku is fit to play, coach John Plumtree has made a strong statement about the youth coming through by backing Jean Smith, who started to come through during the recent Carling Currie Cup season, to wear the No 10 jersey for the second week in succession. Smith got his first taste of URC action as a starting flyhalf in last week’s 17-all draw with the Dragons in inclement conditions in Newport.

🔥Your Hollywoodbets Sharks team for Saturday 🔥

Read full team release article on https://t.co/tnsxqKKGVD@vodacom #URC #LEIvSHA pic.twitter.com/UNllA2XcL5

— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) October 9, 2025

With the exception of the returning Bok wings and Jenkins, Plumtree has kept faith with the starting team that played in that game.

When Mbonambi and Koch come onto the field it will be the first time the Bok duo will play for the Sharks this season. There are some big name Boks who were not included on the injury list who will be waiting to make their seasonal debut against Ulster at Hollywoodbets Kings Park next weekend.

Hollywoodbets Sharks team: Edwill van der Merwe, Ethan Hooker, Jurenzo Julius, Lukhanyo Am, Makazole Mapimpi, Jean Smith, Jaden Hendrikse, Vincent Tshituka (captain), Emmanuel Tshituka, Phepsi Buthelezi, Marvin Orie, Jason Jenkins, Ruan Dreyer, Fez Mbatha, Simphiwe Matanzima. Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi, Dian Bleuler, Vincent Koch, Bathobele Hlekani, Nick Hatton, Ross Bradue, Siya Masuku, Francois Venter.