Sharks change one for Bulls showdown
The Cell C Sharks have begun their Rainbow Cup SA campaign
with two wins from their opening two matches, however they face the equally
impressive Vodacom Bulls this weekend with a starting XV that reflects just one
change from last week’s win over the Lions.
The Sharks have managed to keep their selection consistent with minimal changes made over the first three weeks of the competition.
Last week the only change came on the bench which has meant that Sharks have made just one change to their starting line-up across the first three matches of the competition.
Jaden Hendrickse starts for the Sharks at scrumhalf in place of Grant Williams who is out of the match-day 23 and is replaced by Sanelo Nohamba on the bench for their trip to Loftus Versveld this weekend.
“Jaden earns his starting position on merit, he played really well when he came on the field against the Lions,” coach Sean Everitt said.
“In fact, he was outstanding in every department and he’s a guy that’s been on form in the Currie Cup.
“Unfortunately, Grant (Williams) got concussed against the Lions so he misses this one but should be back next week for selection.
“It’s good that these scrumhalves are getting opportunities and whether they were injured or not we certainly would have been looking to grow them and their ability at this level.”
Fronting up to a powerful Bulls pack of forwards is always a priority, however given the regularity at which these two sides have met in the past eight months, Everitt believes his side is well prepared for the Bulls.
“Our set-piece has grown a lot and the guys have got a lot better at what they do and I thought we did well against the Stormers in the first round in the set piece.
“Against the Lions we got 100% of our line-out ball and dominated in the scrums.
“We know that we can handle the Bulls tight five, we are not concerned about that and I have faith in our individuals that they can come out on top of that battle,” Everitt added.
The Bulls pipped the Sharks in the Currie Cup final at the end of January and there could with a potential pay-back mentality, Everitt believes that the Bulls won’t change too much from what has worked for them.
“I don’t think we are going to see anything different from what they showed against the Stormers,” Everitt commented.
“I imagine with their good defence they will want to kick to the corner and isolate us at the back.
“They have been outstanding on defence and look to exert pressure on us and hopefully paly from our mistakes.”
Kick off at Loftus Versveld is at 18:15.
Cell C Sharks Squad v Vodacom Bulls:
1. Ox Nche, 2. Fez Mbatha, 3. Thomas du Toit, 4. Ruben van Heerden, 5. Reniel Hugo, 6. Siya Kolisi, 7. Henco Venter, 8. Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 9. Jaden Hendrikse, 10. Curwin Bosch, 11. Yaw Penxe, 12. Jeremy Ward, 13. Lukhanyo Am (C), 14. Sbu Nkosi, 15. Aphelele Fassi
Replacements
16. Kerron van Vuuren, 17. Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18. Wiehahn Herbst, 19. Le Roux Roets, 20. Phepsi Buthelezi, 21. Sanele Nohamba, 22. Manie Libbok, 23. Werner Kok
