Continuity for Cell C Sharks – Featured Durban Blog

Head Coach Robert du Preez has once again been afforded the luxury of naming an almost identical side for this weekend’s clash against Free State to last week’s as the team prepares for the Growthpoint KINGS PARK showdown.

The change comes amongst a forward pack that has been performing admirably all tournament, one that has formed a cohesive unit at set-piece time, but one that also has enough individual flair to provide that extra special x-factor on attack.

One player who has benefitted from his forward pack’s dominance is scrumhalf Stefan Ungerer who is the link man and who relies on quality ball if he is to get the backline involved with time and space afforded to him.

“The forwards have given us absolutely great ball this Currie Cup and it’s nice playing behind a pack that is going forward, that makes my life much easier as well as the rest of the backline,” he explains.

The Cell C Sharks will look to continue their attacking style of play, which makes Saturday’s 5pm clash a particularly mouth-watering prospect, given that the opposition is similarly attack-oriented.

“We’re enjoying the brand of rugby we’re playing with a more attacking mindset and I don’t think the pressure is on us to keep winning, but rather to keep improving. We’re more focused on improving week by week and there’s a really positive vibe in the camp.”

Coach Robert du Preez has had no hesitation in bringing a fit again Stefan Lewies back into the team after the influential lock missed the last couple of games through injury.

He replaces Ruan Botha who deputised in the second row in Lewies’ absence.

There are a few players who are carrying niggles and they will undergo fitness tests later today.  As a result we have bracketed players in three positions on the bench.

The Cell C Sharks