The Cell C Sharks Under 21 have named their team to play the Blue Bulls Under 21s ahead of Saturday’s SA Rugby Under 21 Championship semi-final in Pretoria on Friday afternoon.
Head coach Mike Vowles has had the distinct pleasure of being able to name a completely unchanged match 22 for this semi-final encounter which helps greatly with continuity.
“We’re very fortunate, a couple of guys are being held together by strapping, but that’s the nature of a long season,” the coach admits. “The same team, with the confidence from last week’s victory, is a positive for us.”
His team narrowly pipped the Golden Lions on the log after beating Free State last weekend in an emphatic 59-42 victory. Thanks to a superior points difference, it was enough to secure fourth spot over the Lions despite them beating Western Province 33-32.
“We went into the Cheetahs game under pressure, knowing what was expected of us to secure a semi-final place and the players really responded nicely,” explains Vowles.
“To score over 50 points was a real confidence boost for us and I think the guys have taken a lot out of that game in terms of knowing how good they can be.”
The coach expects the challenge this weekend will be immense against perennial age group achievers.
“We know what the Bulls bring, they come with massive physicality, we expect that and it’s going to be a game won in the physical exchanges. We’ve played them three times already this year so we are well aware of what they bring and every time we’ve met, we’ve had a chance. Unfortunately, a couple of silly errors have cost us but we know that if we can cut out the mistakes and play as we have, we stand a good chance.
“We’re very excited for this match.”
CELL C SHARKS UNDER 21s
1. James Scott
2. Cullen van der Merwe
3. Hanru Jacobs
4. JJ van der Mescht
5. Emile van Heerden
6. Adam Mountford
7. Jeandre Labuschagne
8. Evan Roos
9. Jaden Hendrikse
10. Rynhardt Jonker
11. Caleb Dingaan
12. Murray Koster
13. Donald Falconer
14. Asanda Kunene
15. Thaakir Abrahams
Replacements
16. Mark Venter
17. Sean Barnes
18. Cleopas Kuniana
19. Dylan Weideman
20. Jacques Ackerman
21. Xavier Swartbooi
22. Le Roux Malan
23. Onke Jiba
The post Knock-out Time appeared first on Sharks Rugby.
The Cell C Sharks side to take on Toyota Free State in Bloemfontein in Saturday’s Currie Cup semi-final shows great continuity which should translate into continuity in performance.
Cell C Sharks head coach Sean Everitt has made just one change to the side, Curwin Bosch returning to flyhalf after a minor injury sustained in the last meeting between the two sides. After losing to the Pumas in round three, the Cell C Sharks have enjoyed a fruitful run of good form, beating the Cheetahs at JONSSON KINGS PARK before back-to-back away wins against the Emirates Lions and Vodacom Blue Bulls.
The head of steam that has been built up bodes well for continuity, and with just the one change, the side will be looking to reap the benefits of continuity in team selection.
Cell C Sharks fullback and last week’s Man of the match against the Blue Bulls, Aphelele Fassi, admits to the growing excitement in the camp following a good run of form.
“After last week’s victory over the Blue Bulls, I’m really happy with where the team is at right now. We lost two games which we could have won, but we’ve grown since then through lots of hard work.
“As a youngster, I grew up dreaming of playing in the oldest rugby competition, and now that we’re here and I’m in a semi-final with a whole lot of other young players, it’s a huge honour and privilege for us. The youngsters bring a lot of energy into the team and although they’re learning, they’re doing well and contributing in a good way.”
For the Cell C Sharks team, it’s all about continuing the good work and the outstanding performances they’ve produced in the last few weeks. These performances have come off the back of hard work and preparation and then delivering on match day.
“This weekend is about us sticking to our processes, doing the basics right and if we can achieve that, we stand a good chance,” he adds.
Cell C Sharks
- Thomas du Toit
- Kerron van Vuuren
- Coenie Oosthuizen
- Ruben van Heerden
- Hyron Andrews
- Phepsi Buthelezi
- Jacques Vermeulen
- Tera Mtembu (cc)
- Sanele Nohamba
- Curwin Bosch
- Lwazi Mvovo
- Andre Esterhuizen
- Jeremy Ward (cc)
- Kobus van Wyk
- Aphelele Fassi
Replacements
16. Dylan Richardson
17. Mzamo Majola
18. John-Hubert Meyer
19. Gideon Koegelenberg
20. Andisa Ntsila
21. Cameron Wright
22. Rhyno Smith
23. JP Pietersen
The post Semifinal Challenge appeared first on Sharks Rugby.
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