Siya Masuku will make his first appearance in this year’s Currie Cup when he starts at flyhalf for the Sharks against the in-form Boland Cavaliers in Pietermaritzburg on Saturday.
The playmaker, who has been central to the Sharks’ Vodacom URC campaign, returns to steer JP Pietersen’s side in a crucial penultimate pool clash at Woodburn Stadium. Masuku replaces Jean Smith, who shifts to the bench, and his inclusion is expected to give the Durbanites an extra edge against the charging Cavaliers.
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Boland, back in the top flight this season, have stunned the competition with four wins in five matches, including scalps of the Pumas, Bulls, Lions and Cheetahs. They arrive in KZN sitting second on the log, with flyhalf Danrich Visagie topping the points charts on 50.
The Sharks, fresh off a bonus-point victory over Western Province, have made six changes in total. Alongside Masuku’s recall, Paschal Ekeji gets a run on the wing and Albie Bester slots in at inside centre. In the pack, Jacques Marais comes in at hooker, Mawande Mdanda at tighthead, and Jannes Potgieter joins the loose trio.
With Boland flying high and the Sharks determined to impress their Pietermaritzburg faithful, Masuku’s return adds intrigue to a clash that could shape the semi-final picture.
Kick-off at Woodburn Stadium is at 5.10pm.
Our Hollywoodbets Sharks XV team for Saturday’s match in Woodburn Stadium at Pietermaritzburg
Read the full team release article on https://t.co/2zGkEWgAgY#CarlingCurrieCup #CurrieCup #SHAvBOL pic.twitter.com/9Vx5Tq8y2q
— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) August 28, 2025
Sharks – 15 Hakeem Kunene, 14 Phikolomzi “PK” Sobahle, 13 Diego Apollis, 12 Albie Bester, 11 Paschal Ekeji, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Ceano Everson, 8 Nick Hatton (C), 7 Jannes Potgieter, 6 Tino Mavesere, 5 Deon Slabbert, 4 Coetzee Le Roux, 3 Mawande Mdanda, 2 Jacques Marais, 1 Phatu Ganyane
Bench: 16 Bryce Calvert, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 19 Bathobele Hlekani, 20 Matt Romao, 21 Tiaan Fourie, 22 Jean Smith, 23 Christie Grobbelaar
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
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