The Cell C Sharks Under 20s have a third successive big game in the SA Rugby under 20 Championship this Friday, when they host the Sigma Lions on KP2 at Hollywoodbets Kings Park.
Playing DHL Western Province, the Vodacom Blue Bulls and now the Lions is a big ask for any team, but following close contests against the big sides, the Cell C Sharks Under 20s are approaching this match against the log leaders with great motivation.
“Last week was another disappointing result for us, we went to Loftus with a lot of confidence and having prepared well,” explains head coach Mike Vowles, “and although the result didn’t go our way, the guys played really well and we were very proud of their performance. There were times when we had to fight hard to get back into the game, and we did, and the character and attitude from the guys was outstanding.
“To lose in the manner we did was really hard for us. We had an opportunity in the last minute to score but we were held up over the line again for the second time in two games. So it could have gone our way in the end.
“We certainly played with a lot more confidence and we stuck to the plan which gave us direction in the game so we’re really chuffed with the performance.”
He admits that this week offers his side another tough game against worthy log leaders, but the challenge is one that excites him and his charges.
“The Lions are top of the table for a reason, they’re a good side, but we have prepared well and know what to expect. Coming down to Durban to play in this heat and humidity will be tough for them, but we will need to be on top of our game. We are looking forward to the challenge and this is almost a semi-final for us.
“We’re desperate and will throw everything we can at them, staying alive in this competition means this becomes a massive game but I’m confident we will put in a strong performance.”
Cell C Sharks Under 20s
1. Braam Reyneke
2. Jordan McLoughlin
3. Nash Mhere
4. Andrew Beyrooti
5. Corne Rahl (c)
6. Damon Royle
7. Enos Ndiao
8. Nick Hatton
9. Bradley Davids
10. Jean Smith
11. Banie Britz
12. Brandon Wilkie
13. Lloyd Koster
14. Curwin Gertse
15. Hakeem Kunene
Replacements
16. Jacques Marais
17. Phatu Ganyane
18. Dian Heunis
19. Coetzee Le Roux
20. Renzo du Plessis
21. Josh Miller
22. Ethan Hooker
23. Taurin Craze
The post A Massive Challenge appeared first on The Sharks.
The Cell C Sharks will be looking to take their rousing Vodacom United Rugby Championship performance of last week and turn it into another passionate effort when they host Zebre at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday
The Cell C Sharks’ 37-20 victory over the Scarlets last weekend ensured that the Durbanites finished the weekend’s round of fixtures in sixth position on the log and this weekend offers them the opportunity of further entrenchment in the top half of the table as well as the South African Shield.
Although the Italians are still searching for their first win in the URC, head coach Sean Everitt warns that to underestimate them would be at their own peril.
“Like any international competition, no team can be taken lightly. In this competition, no-one can be taken lightly, we saw that when the Scarlets put 35 points over Glasgow who are in the top three of the competition.
“Zebre are an unpredictable side that kick the ball really well, and although they haven’t done that well on the log, they gave the Vodacom Bulls a good go for the first 40 minutes before the Bulls’ power game dominated them.
“But our focus is on our own performance at the moment, taking it week by week and we know that we need to get better and put in a better performance as a whole for 80 minutes.”
Everitt has made just the one change to the highly performing pack, giving Ntuthuko Mchunu a start after the loss of Ox Nche to injury, with two further changes amongst the backs, handing Grant Williams the scrumhalf jersey and Ben Tapuai coming in for Jeremy Ward at outside centre.
Saturday evening’s match kicks off at 6.30pm.
Cell C Sharks
1. Ntuthuko Mchunu
2. Bongi Mbonambi
3. Thomas du Toit (v/c)
4. Gerbrandt Grobler
5. Reniel Hugo
6. Siya Kolisi (c)
7. Henco Venter
8. Sikhumbuzo Notshe
9. Grant Williams
10. Curwin Bosch
11. Makazole Mapimpi
12. Marius Louw
13. Ben Tapuai
14. Werner Kok
15. Aphelele Fassi
Replacements
16. Kerron van Vuuren
17. Khwezi Mona
18. Khutha Mchunu
19. Le Roux Roets
20. Phepsi Buthelezi
21. Jaden Hendrikse
22. Boeta Chamberlain
23. Jeremy Ward
The post Stepping it Up appeared first on The Sharks.
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Quick Durban KwaZulu-Natal Fact: Every year Durban finds itself in the middle of one of the greatest animal migrations, the Sardine Run, where billions of sardines travel up the coast line attracting sharks, dolphins, whales, birdlife and of course numerous fisherman
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