Nkosi to add added fight to travelling Sharks
After a week away
from competition the Cell C Sharks head to Loftus Versveld to face the Bulls in
their second Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked clash this Saturday with World Cup
winner Sbu Nkosi back in the starting XV.
Nkosi picked up an injury during the pre-season with the Sharks and has missed the three games that have been played so far, however coach Sean Everitt knows that it’s a massive boost to the side to have a player of his ability back.
“It’s good to have him back in the starting line-up,” Sharks coach Sean Everitt said. “He brings a lot of energy to the team and a lot of experience having been at the World Cup last year.
“Sbu is good under the high ball, he’s dangerous on attack, he’s got great feet and the ability to beat defenders one on one.
“More importantly he brings a lot of leadership to the group, he’s part of the leadership committee in the squad so he brings that as well and the youngsters in the team really look up to him so we are happy to have him back.”
The Sharks also welcome back Kerron van Vuuren to the match-day squad as well as Henco Venter while Kings loanee Yaw Penxe comes onto the bench. Penxe excited all during the recent Green versus Gold clash and Everitt is eager to see how he goes this weekend.
“Yaw is a very dangerous rugby player whether it be at fullback or on the wing. He’s a strong running wing and very abrasive.
“He’s got good feet and he’s quick and he will cover both fullback and wing for us off the bench.
“He showed great form for Team Green and has been great for the Kings over the last eighteen months.
“We have seen that he is a quick learner and he’s a good kid that’s why we have brought him in to the matchday 23,” Everitt added.
It’s going to be a different Sharks side that lost to the Bulls on Super Hero Saturday three weeks ago, however the Bulls will also be a different beast and under Jake White they seem to be more aligned than they were during the first part of Super Rugby this year.
Kick off at Loftus is at 7pm on Saturday.
Cell C Sharks: 15 Manie Libbok, 14 Sibusiso Nkosi, 13 Lukhanyo Am (captain), 12 Marius Louw, 11 Werner Kok, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Sanele Nohamba, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Phepsi Buthelezi, 6 James Venter, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Dylan Richardson, 1 Ox Nché.
Replacements: 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Mzamo Majola, 18 John-Hubert Meyer, 19 JJ van der Mescht, 20 Henco Venter, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Jeremy Ward, 23 Yaw Penxe.
