URC: Lions v Sharks – Key Battles

Asenathi Ntlabakanye v Ox Nche

It’s the battle of the behemoths. It’s “Feast Mode” versus “The Cake Boss” in a mouth-watering showdown that’ll be worth the price of admission alone.

Two larger-than-life characters, they are as beloved as they are brutal. Front-rowers fuelled by an insatiable hunger for domination, they’re licking their lips in anticipation of getting stuck into each other.

Something has to give when the Lions leviathan, with his old school chassis and new school engine, collides with the Sharks super heavyweight, a 2025 World Player of the Year nominee and one of the most destructive scrummagers in the game.

Ruan Venter/Batho Hlekani v Vincent Tshituka

Whether the Lions opt for Venter, who is back after serving a four-game ban for a high tackle on Aphelele Fassi in the teams’ last meeting, which the Pride pipped 23-22 in early January, or Hlekani, Tshituka knows he’s in for a bruising battle.

It’s strength versus skill. Venter is a sledgehammer who always makes an impact and will be particularly fired up after having to sit on the sidelines for the last month. Regarded as the next big thing, Hlekani has been beastly in Venter’s absence and will be eager to kick on.

Tshituka, meanwhile, has been terrific as the skillful roamer that he is. While he doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff, his strengths are his speed, athleticism and intelligence. That extends to the lineout, where he’s the league leader in steals.

Morne van den Berg v Grant Williams/Jaden Hendrikse

At scrumhalf, we have Springboks jockeying for position in the national set-up.

Van den Berg and Williams are like-minded attacking livewires, whereas Hendrikse is a tactician. Williams is currently No. 2 in the Bok pecking order behind Cobus Reinach, with Van den Berg being the third stringer.

A dip in form saw Hendrikse drop out of the squad and be reduced to a spectator for the entire 2025 international season. However, the 25-year-old is back to playing some of his best rugby and will reportedly be recalled to the squad this year.

The Sharks have smartly been using the speedy Williams as a starter and Hendrikse as a closer in recent times, so Van den Berg will likely have to fight battles on both fronts before he makes way for young gun Haashim Pead, who scored the winning try off the bench in Durban last month.

Henco van Wyk v Ethan Hooker

Arguably the two best young centres in the country are on a collision course.

There’s a sense that this match-up might be more than business and possibly personal for Van Wyk. Regarded as a future Springbok from the moment he arrived on the scene, injuries have gotten in the way of that happening for the man known as “Weapon X.”

At the same time, Hooker experienced a dream rise down in Durban, which fast-tracked him into the Springbok squad last year. The 23-year-old made the step-up with aplomb, so much so that he was nominated for the World Breakthrough Player of the Year.

One couldn’t blame Van Wyk, now 24, if he’s had thoughts that it should’ve been him living the dream in the Green and Gold instead of Hooker. Jaded or not, he’ll know this is a great opportunity to send a message to Rassie Erasmus.  

Quan Horn v Aphelele Fassi

Last but certainly not least, we have the two undoubted top fullbacks in South Africa primed to go head-to-head.

Horn is such a complete and consistent player. He leads the league in some categories and features prominently in others as a result, and you’d have to think he’ll get an opportunity to add to his solitary Springbok appearance, which came against Portugal in Bloemfontein in 2024.

One of the men keeping him out of the national side is Fassi. Initially catching the eye for his high-speed, highlight-reel attacking exploits, which earned him the nickname “Weekend Special,” he’s rounded out his game superbly and proven himself at the highest level.