No Cavalier Approach – Featured Durban Blog

The Cell C Sharks will be looking to make it three from three as they focus on the next challenge in the Currie Cup, Friday afternoon’s clash with the Cavaliers at Boland Stadium in Wellington.

The team have played exciting rugby, much of it possible thanks to the dominance the forwards have established upfront, and they are revelling in the opportunity to play a ball in hand style, one that has heralded 10 tries in the two games and joint top of the log, a position they share with Free State.

While the exciting attacking rugby is the word on many lips, there is obviously the need to remain pragmatic and calm in pressure situations, to establish a platform and then play in the right areas of the field. Playing with a devil-may-care attitude would be the undoing of the Cell C Sharks.

Head coach Robert du Preez has made changes to the team that defeated Griquas last weekend: “There are a few guys that have played a lot of rugby and who are carrying a few niggles and we have decided to rest them this week,” he explains.

In the front row, there is a rotational change of Chiliboy Ralepelle who comes into the starting line-up for this match Franco Marais while Ruan Botha replaces Stephan Lewies who is carrying a niggle and has been given a rest this week. The loose-forward trio remains unchanged.

Amongst the backs, there are just two changes. Heimar Williams comes in for Lukhanyo Am who not been considered due to injury while veteran Odwa Ndungane returns to the wing in place of Neil Maritz.

Du Preez admits that he is looking for steady improvement throughout the competition and will be hoping for a step up from last week.

“We want to improve every week and this week we are looking for improvement in our set-pieces, scrums, lineouts and execution.  It is important that our forward pack gives us that stability and foundation to attack from.

“The intensity against Boland is not going to be any different to the other two matches we’ve played.  They are a difficult team to play against and they have nothing to lose.  We are looking forward to the challenge.”

Cell C Sharks