Two changes for Sharks against Stormers

Both players were given an extra week to prepare for the season after bruising 2021 seasons for both players with the Springbok captain the only player to feature in all thirteen test matches that the national team played.

The introduction of the two powerhouse Springboks back into the mix are the only two changes made to the Sharks side that beat the Lions in Johannesburg last weekend.

For coach Sean Everitt all the changes haven’t been part of the bigger plan as they can now select a more settled side for this weekend’s clash.

“Everyone was saying that the Sharks are changing their side every week, but we had to build a base of players especially with the Currie Cup on at the moment,” Everitt said.

“Now that we have our Springboks back for an extended period, we are now able to go with our form team week in and week out and the continuity will bring confidence.”

The Sharks face the Stormers this weekend and then have an outing against the Bulls the following weekend so for Everitt and his side he knows how crucial it is to win the games in South Africa.

“All the derbies are important and with the home and way matches now we are looking at a two match test series because that’s what it is.

“So, it’s really important in terms of the domestic shield but it also goes a long way because all the teams have overseas away games so it’s important that we get wins at home.”

The Sharks put in a strong display last weekend against the Lions last weekend and Everitt knows that there are many areas to improve going into the derby this Saturday at Hollywoodbets Kings Park.

“I felt that our discipline, accuracy at receive and kick send in the kick-off, part of our set piece wasn’t accurate and our goal-line defence wasn’t very good so we’ve worked hard on that because the Stormers are really good in that area.

“It’s mainly about us neatening up our attack and not giving opportunities to the opposition,” Everitt added.

Cell C Sharks v Stormers
1 Ox Nche, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 3 Thomas du Toit (v/c), 4 Ruben van Heerden, 5 Hyron Andrews, 6 Siya Kolisi, 7 Jeandre Labuschagne, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 9 Grant Williams, 10 Boeta Chamberlain, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 12 Ben Tapuai, 13 Lukhanyo Am (c), 14 Sbu Nkosi, 15 Aphelele Fassi.

Replacements
16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Khutha Mchunu, 19 Reniel Hugo, 20 Henco Venter, 21 Jaden Hendrikse, 22 Tito Bonilla, 23 Jeremy Ward.