Boks back for Sharks' Scarlets showdown
Cell C Sharks Director of Rugby Neil Powell has the pleasure of a full squad to select from and has chosen a Springbok-heavy side to take on Scarlets this Saturday in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship at the Parc Y Scarlets in Wales.
After an enforced break due to this year’s Rugby World Cup, the Springboks have been unleashed on the URC once more as they look to maintain a hold on a place in the knock-out rounds.
Scarlets have not quite enjoyed the success this season they would have hoped for and languish near the bottom of the log, in 14th position. Last year’s fixture, at Hollywoodbets Kings Park, ended in a 37-20 victory for the Cell C Sharks, a bonus point win with many of the same players who will do duty in this season’s clash, almost exactly a year later.
However, we know that no team can be written off and the Springboks in the Cell C Sharks side will be bringing their own level of intensity, leadership, character and standards that will drive their team-mates to deliver a special performance.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi leads the team out and his all-Bok front row of Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi and Thomas du Toit will be called upon to deliver results upfront. Throw in Eben Etzebeth and you know this is a pack that will back down for nothing.
An athletic and mobile back row will provide impetus on attack while Springbok halfbacks Jaden Hendrikse and Curwin Bosch will be called on to direct traffic. Then there’s the powerful duo of Rohan Janse van Rensburg and Lukhanyo Am to keep everything in the midfield under control, while the likes of Makazole Mapimpi and co, will be called upon to deliver the killer blow.
Cell C Sharks
1. Ox Nche, 2. Bongi Mbonambi, 3. Thomas du Toit, 4. Eben Etzebeth, 5. Emile van Heerden, 6. Siya Kolisi (c) ,7. Vincent Tshituka, 8. Phepsi Buthelezi, 9. Jaden Hendrikse, 10. Curwin Bosch, 11. Makazole Mapimpi, 12. Rohan Janse van Rensburg, 13. Lukhanyo Am, 14. Werner Kok, 15. Boeta Chamberlain.
Replacements
16. Kerron van Vuurren, 17. Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18. Carlu Sadie, 19. Gerbrandt Grobler, 20. Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21. Grant Williams, 22. Ben Tapuai, 23. Thaakir Abrahams.
