Nohamba, Penxe return for Sharks

Both players, along with hooker Fez Mbatha, were part of the extended Springbok squad for the test series against the British and Irish Lions and were released to join the franchise ahead of the first test match at the Cape Town Stadium last weekend.

The Sharks pulled off an impressive win in Bloemfontein last weekend to put themselves at the summit of the Currie Cup log and coach Sean Everitt believes that win is going to be an important boost for the side going into Saturday.

“I said last week that not a lot of the side had ever won in Bloemfontein, so it was a massive challenge and to come away with five points is really pleasing,” Everitt said.

“I’m really happy where the squad is at right now and we need to build on that.

“We wanted to cut out some of the unforced turnovers we have been conceding and cut down on the penalties that we conceded in the Rainbow Cup and we’re down to nine per game on average, so I am really pleased.”

Griquas currently sit in third spot on the log with three wins from the six matches so far and they have won even more respect from the bigger unions through their exciting and uncompromising brand of rugby.

“Griquas lost most of their games earlier in the year by less than seven points, so they are definitely a team on the up.

“They have beaten the Cheetahs and Western Province in Cape Town and the Lions at Ellis Park so we are under no illusions about what they can bring to the table, and we have been victims of their success in the past.

“For us its about getting better and preparing for the Pro16 but at the same time performing every week to try and win the Currie Cup,” Everitt added.

Mpilo Gumede starts on the blindside flank with the injured Dylan Richardson out while Murray Koster starts in the number 12 jersey in the place of Marius Louw who also misses out due to injury.

Kick off at Jonsson Kings Park is at 14:30 on Saturday afternoon.

Cell C Sharks v Griquas
1 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 3 Lourens Adriaanse, 4 Le Roux Roets, 5 Reniel Hugo, 6 James Venter, 7 Mpilo Gumede, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi (c), 9 Sanele Nohamba, 10 Curwin Bosch, 11 Thaakir Abrahams, 12 Murray Koster, 13 Werner Kok, 14 Yaw Penxe, 15 Anthony Volmink.

Replacements
16 Dan Jooste, 17 Mzamo Majola, 18 Wiehahn Herbst, 19 Thembelani Bholi, 20 Henco Venter, 21 Jaden Hendrikse, 22 Lionel Cronje, 23 Jeremy Ward.