On May 24, 2024, the Hollywoodbets Sharks will step onto the grand stage at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to face Gloucester from England in the European EPCR Challenge Cup final. This momentous occasion marks a historic milestone for South African rugby, as it will be the first time a team from the Rainbow Nation competes in a European club rugby final.
The Durbanites – who have never played against Gloucester before in the EPCR Challenge Cup have been in fine form in the European show-piece, with their track record showing six wins in seven matches, including a 36-30 victory against Scotland’s Edinburgh in the quarter-final and a 32-31 win against Clermont Auvergne in France in the semi-final. Adding to this, they finished the pool stages as the top-ranked side on their table.
However, the Sharks are in for a big challenge against Gloucester, who are unbeaten in the competition. They come off comfortable victories against Ospreys and Benetton in their quarter-final and semi-final respectively, as well as a morale-boosting 54-14 victory over Newcastle in the Gallagher Premiership last weekend.
A Season of Contrasts
The Sharks’ journey to the final has been nothing short of intriguing. Their performance in the United Rugby Championship (URC) was challenging, but they found redemption in the Challenge Cup. Despite their struggles domestically, they now have a golden opportunity to clinch a coveted European Professional Club Rugby title.
Champions Cup Qualification up for grabs
The EPCR Challenge Cup holds immense significance. Not only is it a prestigious trophy in its own right, but winning it guarantees participation in the next season’s Champions Cup which features the best clubs in Europe. For the Sharks, this final represents a post-Super Rugby coming of age. Their investment in building a formidable squad, including World Cup-winning internationals, has positioned them well for this moment.
Gloucester’s Resilience presents a challenge
Gloucester, too, has faced its share of challenges this season. Finishing second-bottom in the Premiership, they endured a 90-point defeat at the hands of Northampton two weeks ago. However, they’ve already secured one cup competition victor, the Premiership Rugby Cup. Led by captain Lewis Ludlow, British & Irish Lion centre Chris Harris, and Argentina fullback Santi Carreras, Gloucester aims to add another title to their collection.
The Key Battle in the Front Row
The Sharks boast a formidable front row, featuring Vincent Koch, Bongi Mbonambi, and Ox Nche. These Springboks, supported by captain Eben Etzebeth, will test Gloucester’s tight five. If they can impose their physicality, it could be a decisive factor in the match.
Injury Blows
Injuries have plagued both teams. The absence of skipper Lukhanyo Am and scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse poses challenges for the Sharks. Gloucester, too, must adapt without key players. How well the replacements step up will determine the outcome.
A Big Night
As the sun sets over London, the Sharks and Gloucester Rugby will battle for glory. The Sharks aim to etch their name in rugby history, while Gloucester seeks redemption. May the clash be fierce, the rugby sublime, and the victor celebrated as the first South African side to conquer Europe’s Challenge Cup.
The Sharks Team
Starting Lineup:
15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Ethan Hooker, 12 Francois Venter, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 James Venter, 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Eben Etzebeth (c), 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements Bench:
16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Lappies Labuschagne, 20 Dylan Richardson, 21 Cameron Wright, 22 Curwin Bosch, 23 Eduan Keyter.
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