As the Vodacom United Rugby Championship (VURC) starts to build pressure for all the sides fighting for a top eight finish and a place in the knock-outs, the Hollywoodbets Sharks look forward to hosting Leinster at Hollywoodbets Kings Park this weekend.
One of the oldest rugby clubs in world rugby, having been founded in 1879 – 146 years ago – Leinster comes to Hollywoodbets Kings Park topping the VURC log, but having lost to the Vodacom Bulls last weekend, their only defeat this season, and they will look to close out their two match tour to South Africa on a strong note.
They were Champions of Europe during a golden period between 2007 and 2013 winning the 2009, 2011 and 2012 European Cup Finals and the 2013 Challenge Cup, as well as domestic success, having captured seven trophies in seven seasons.
After last week’s loss to the Vodacom Bulls, the Hollywoodbets Sharks can expect a backlash from this proud side, the most successful in Irish history.
Someone with deep knowledge of Leinster’s rugby DNA is Hollywoodbets Sharks lock Jason Jenkins, who featured for the Irish giants before making the move to Durban for the 2024 season and beyond.
Having made 39 appearances for Leinster across the Vodacom United Rugby Championship as well as the Champions Cup, he knows exactly what to expect.
“It’s possible to beat them, we know what they bring, they’re a quality side and everyone knows that,” explains Jenkins.
“Their players understand the game-plan, they execute well, so we’re going to have to be very accurate this weekend in order to beat them.
“We have the right plans in place, everyone is on the same page and we’ve had a good week of training.
“We’re really excited for this weekend.”
Taking lessons from a win is always valuable and despite a performance that didn’t quite set the field alight, the Hollywoodbets Sharks’ bonus point victory over visiting Zebre Parma last Saturday underlined the team’s home ground status and Hollywoodbets Kings Park’s aura as a fortress for the home side and a difficult place for visiting teams to come and play – and win.
There is no doubt that this match is unmissable. With five rounds remaining before the top eight venture into the play-offs, a top four finish ensures home ground advantage, and for the Hollywoodbets Sharks who have built up a sizable buffer between themselves in fourth place and Cardiff who are nine points adrift in fifth place, making the fans proud is paramount to this performance.
Saturday’s match kicks off at 7.15pm and Veranda Panda will be playing in the Sharks Fest Big Concert after the game.
