Hollywoodbets Sharks Seek First Win as Ulster Rugby Arrive in Durban
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The Hollywoodbets Sharks return to the familiar surroundings of Kings Park on Saturday, October 18, 2025, desperately seeking their first victory of the 2025/26 BKT United Rugby Championship against a formidable Ulster Rugby side. The match, kicking off at 4pm SA time (3pm UK/IRL), will be broadcast live on Premier Sports & URC.tv.
A Crucial Home Return for the Sharks
After three consecutive away fixtures, the Sharks are back on home soil, bolstered by the return of several key Springbok players. The squad welcomes back Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi, and Vincent Koch, adding significant firepower to an already strengthened lineup that also includes the explosive talents of Grant Williams and Andre Esterhuizen. Despite their strong roster, the Sharks are yet to secure a win this season, managing only a 17-all draw against the Dragons in Round 2.
However, their recent home form offers a glimmer of hope. The team has suffered only one defeat in their last ten home Championship games – a narrow 10-7 loss to Leinster in March 2025 – and will be confident of breaking their losing streak in front of their home crowd.
Ulster’s South African Challenge
Ulster Rugby arrives in South Africa with a perfect record, having secured maximum points from their opening two matches. However, their historical performance on South African soil paints a different picture. The Ulstermen have lost their last four visits to the country and will face a significant physical challenge against a Sharks pack packed with World Cup winners.
Richie Murphy has made five changes to the Ulster side that defeated the Vodacom Bulls last week, bringing back Ireland internationals Iain Henderson and Jacob Stockdale to the starting XV. Michael Lowry also returns at full-back, while Jack Murphy continues his promising fly-half partnership with Nathan Doak, who earned Player of the Match honors last weekend.
Head-to-Head and Recent Form
The historical record between these two sides is closely contested, with two wins apiece in their four previous encounters. Ulster’s last victory in Durban came in February 2023, with a 31-24 result.
Recent form indicates a challenging task for both teams. The Sharks are winless this season, while Ulster’s strong start has been achieved primarily on home turf. Last season, Ulster managed only two away wins in the URC, highlighting their struggles on the road. The Sharks have also found success against Irish provinces difficult to come by, winning only one of their last four fixtures.
Team Lineups
Hollywoodbets Sharks: 15. Edwill van der Merwe, 14. Ethan Hooker, 13. Jurenzo Julius, 12. Andre Esterhuizen, 11. Makazole Mapimpi, 10. Siya Masuku, 9. Grant Williams, 1. Ox Nche, 2. Bongi Mbonambi, 3. Vincent Koch, 4. Eben Etzebeth, 5. Marvin Orie, 6. Siya Kolisi, 7. Vincent Tshituka (C), 8. Phepsi Buthelezi. Replacements: 16. Fez Mbatha, 17. Simphiwe Matanzima, 18. Ruan Dreyer, 19. Bathobele Hlekani, 20. Emmanuel Tshituka, 21. Jaden Hendrikse, 22. Jordan Hendrikse, 23. Lukhanyo Am.
Ulster Rugby: 15. Michael Lowry (125), 14. Werner Kok (16), 13. James Hume (101), 12. Stuart McCloskey (206), 11. Jacob Stockdale (135), 10. Jack Murphy (15), 9. Nathan Doak (91), 1. Sam Crean (4), 2. Tom Stewart (57), 3. Scott Wilson (37), 4. Iain Henderson (165) (Captain), 5. Harry Sheridan (43), 6. David McCann (70), 7. Nick Timoney (169), 8. Juarno Augustus (2).
The clash in Durban promises to be a physical battle, with both teams eager to assert their dominance. The return of the Springbok stars gives the Sharks a significant advantage, but Ulster’s experience and tactical prowess cannot be underestimated. A win for the Sharks is crucial to ignite their URC campaign, while Ulster will be determined to maintain their winning momentum and overcome their historical struggles in South Africa.
