Dragons RFC face South African powerhouses – the Hollywoodbets Sharks – with qualification on the line at Rodney Parade in Round 4 of the EPCR Challenge Cup this Sunday afternoon (kick-off 5.30pm).
Based in Durban, the Sharks compete in the BKT United Rugby Championship alongside the Dragons, having previously competed in Super Rugby until 2020.
This European season:
The Sharks opened the European season with 45-5 victory over Section Paloise in Durban before a surprise 32-29 defeat to the Toyota Cheetahs.
The South Africans returned to winnings ways in Round 3 with a 38-7 win over Oyonnax which puts them on top spot, with 12 points, in the race for the knockout stages.
The Sharks are currently on 112 points in the competition – second overall – and lead the way with 16 tries. They have made 1,454 metres – second only behind Castres on 1,493 – and are top of the clean breaks on 33 this season.
Fly half Curwin Bosch is third in the point scoring charts on 32 while Makazole Mapimpi is joint top try scorer with four. Aphelele Fassi has made metres than anyone else in the competition with 258.
Key players: Ox Nche
Retshegofaditswe 'Tshego' Nché, commonly known as Ox Nche, is an impressive and powerful loosehead prop hailing from Bloemfontein.
He became a fan favourite while representing the Free State Cheetahs as their number one prop.
Nche was selected by Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus for the Test squad to face Wales and England in 2018 and made his international debut against Wales in Washington.
Nche signed a deal to join the Sharks for the 2020 season and in 2021 was named in South Africa's 46-man squad for the British and Irish Lions Tour, further highlighting his rise in the rugby world.
With his power and agility, Nche continues to make a significant impact on the field as a talented loosehead prop, and was part of the Rugby World Cup winning squad in 2023.
Key players: Makazole Mapimpi
Makazole Mapimpi has made his mark as both a winger and centre, playing for both South Africa and the Sharks.
Arguably Mapimpi's biggest achievement came as part of the Springboks' victorious squad in the 2019 Rugby World Cup held in Japan, where he scored a try in the final.
Mapimpi caught the attention of the Southern Kings in 2017 and made an immediate impact in Super Rugby, scoring 11 tries in just 14 games.
His impressive form prompted the Cheetahs to sign him, and he continued to excel, scoring four tries in 10 Super Rugby matches and 10 tries in 13 PRO14 games.
The Sharks secured Mapimpi's services for the 2018 Super Rugby season and he made his Test debut against Wales in Washington DC, scoring a try in his first appearance.
Mapimpi temporarily joined the Red Hurricanes, on loan from the Sharks, before returning and in 2021 was selected for the Springbok squad to face the British & Irish Lions in 2021. He was part of the Rugby World Cup winning squad in 2023.
Key players: Lukhanyo Am
Lukhanyo Am, a versatile centre or wing, has captained the Sharks on numerous occasions and become a key figure for the South African international side.
In 2016, while under contract with the Sharks, Am joined the Southern Kings on loan for the Super Rugby season. During his time with the Kings, he showcased his skills and his performances saw him called up to represent the South African A side against the England Saxons.
Impressed by Am's performances, the Sharks decided to keep him at the franchise for the 2017 Super Rugby season after a strong showing in the 2016 Currie Cup.
His form earned him recognition as one of the eight uncapped players in the Springboks squad for the 2017 June internationals against France. Under the coaching of Rassie Erasmus,
Am made his test debut for the Springboks, adding to his growing list of achievements - that includes the 2023 World Cup win - and he continues to make his mark on the rugby field with his exceptional skills and leadership abilities.
Key players: Eben Etzebeth
Eben Etzebeth is known around the world for his formidable presence as a lock and hus rise as a second-row enforcer has been nothing short of meteoric, with many considering him the successor to the legendary Bakkies Botha.
His exceptional talent was evident early on, as he shone at the Under-20 World Cup for the Baby Boks in 2011. This led to his debut in Super Rugby for the Stormers. In June 2012, he earned his first Springbok cap against England.
Following a brief stint in Japan, Etzebeth re-joined the Stormers in 2016, continuing to make significant contributions to the team. He achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the youngest South African player to reach 50 test caps during the Rugby Championship in 2016.
In December 2018, it was announced that Etzebeth would join Top 14 side Toulon after the 2019 Rugby World Cup. He would join the Sharks in 2022.
With his strength, skill, and leadership, Etzebeth continues to be a dominant force in rugby, leaving a lasting impact on the teams he represents.
To buy tickets to our European quest and clash with Hollywoodbets Sharks this Sunday just CLICK HERE or call 01633 670690 today!
