The Cell C Sharks host the Dragons from Wales on Friday night at Hollywoodbets Kings Park in a crucial Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash.
Cell C Sharks head coach Sean Everitt has the luxury of freshening up the pack after the sterling work they have done, giving some of his hard-working forwards a respite, although their valued performances of late mean they have been included in the matchday 23, providing serious options off the bench.
In all there are five changes to last week’s side, four of those in the pack.
In the second row, Le Roux Roets gets a start in Reniel Hugo’s place while there is an all-new back row comprising James Venter for Siya Kolisi, Jeandre Labuschagne for Henco Venter and Phepsi Buthelezi coming in for Sikhumbuzo Notshe.
Jaden Hendrikse replacing Grant Williams is the only change to a back line retained almost intact to provide stability and build continuity.
With Siya Kolisi playing off the bench, tighthead prop Thomas du Toit is handed the captaincy.
Casting his eye over their opponents this week , Everitt believes that the Dragons will be stronger than their recent form of late.
“All the Europeans teams will be stronger than what we’ve faced over the last couple of weeks because they’re getting their players back from Six Nations duty.
“So no team in this competition can be underestimated. If you’re off your game on the day, you can get a big hiding.”
But for the Cell C Sharks, this is about putting in a big performance.
“For us, it’s about being more accurate in our execution and hoping to improve on Friday night.”
Cell C Sharks
1. Ox Nche
2. Bongi Mbonambi
3. Thomas du Toit (c)
4. Le Roux Roets
5. Gerbrandt Grobler
6. James Venter
7. Jeandre Labushagne
8. Phepsi Buthelezi
9. Jaden Hendrikse
10. Curwin Bosch
11. Makazole Mapimpi
12. Jeremy Ward
13. Ben Tapuai
14. Werner Kok
15. Anthony Volmink
Replacements
16. Kerron van Vuuren
17. Ntuthuko Mchunu
18. Khutha Mchunu
19. Reniel Hugo
20. Sikhumbuzo Notshe
21. Siya Kolisi
22. Grant Williams
23. Boeta Chamberlain
The post Dragons at Home appeared first on The Sharks.
Following the terrible heat and humidity in the early parts of the year, Durban was struck by torrential rain for their last game against Edinburgh. Cool weather is approaching, but the weather cannot be blamed for a performance.
For a player with x-factor, Cell C Sharks eighthman Sikhumbuzo Notshe admits that he’s looking forward to good weather coming in April to express his talents and to see his team-mates in full cry, something that hasn’t always been possible for the first three months of 2022 and even earlier.
But he adds valuable insight as well and an acknowledgement that it’s more than just what you can or can’t do.
“Yes, I am looking forward to cooler weather, but we must never turn this weather thing into an excuse,” he admits.
“We’re playing at home at Hollywoodbets Kings Park, we’re playing in front of our own fans and we must always show energy.
“We must control the things we’re able to. There’s nothing we can do about controlling the weather, whether it’s windy or raining. We don’t want to be a side that makes excuses and waits for a sunny day in Durban so that we can play good rugby. We must perform each week.
Looking back on the Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash with Edinburgh over the weekend, he points out that it’s all about finishing.
“Our conversion rate in the 22 is something we’ve spoken about because it hasn’t been great. We know how to get there, we just need to finish off the opportunities we’re creating for ourselves.
“We’re spending time on the training pitch, putting ourselves in those kinds of situations in that areas of the game, so it’s all about time in the saddle.”
After conceding eight tries to the Vodacom Bulls on the weekend, the Dragons come to Durban with question marks around their defence. The Welsh side are in 15th position on the log, having won just once in the competition, but Notshe warns of the perils of not respecting your opponent, whoever he might be.
“One thing I’ve learned in this competition is that you can’t underestimate any side. The scoreboard might not reflect very well on the Dragons, but in my opinion they put up a real fight in Pretoria.
“Having reviewed that game, they fought hard. If we go into this game underestimating them and thinking that they’ll be a roll over, then we’re on the wrong track.
“We will prepare well and make sure we’ve done our homework and hopefully come away with a ‘W’ on Friday night.
The post No Excuses 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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