Preview: Cell C Sharks vs Free State:
Free State arrive in Durban to take on the Cell C Sharks in a top of the table clash at Growthpoint KINGS PARK on Saturday afternoon in the first match of the second round of the Currie Cup competition.
Free State are currently top of the log, just one point clear of the Cell C Sharks in second spot, both sides having won five of their six first round matches, and incidentally, Free State having inflicted our only defeat, in week one.
Cell C Sharks head coach Robert du Preez has made a couple of changes to the side that defeated Western Province last week, explaining that, “We have a couple of niggles, Kobus van Wyk and Juan Schoeman are not available this week and Ross Geldenhuys is being rested after a long season of rugby, but that gives the new boys coming in an opportunity.”
But, unlike the Cell C Sharks who are close to full strength (Curwin Bosch was released from the Springbok camp, but missed two training sessions and therefore wasn’t considered for selection this week), Free State have sent their first choice team into their first match of the Pro 14 competition;
this is a vastly different side from the one we met in week one.
The Cell C Sharks side too is completely different from that match, with the first round match played against the backdrop of the Super Rugby quarter-final and our players being involved in that match.
The shoe now appears to be on the other foot.
However, du Preez admits that it’s vital that his players don’t become overly confident about this.
“The most important thing for us is not to disrespect Free State, whatever team they put on the park,” he says.
“But we want to concentrate on what we have to do; one thing in particular is to sort out our attack in the opposition 22: we need to be more patient and we’ve worked hard on that this week. We created a lot of opportunities against Province last week that we didn’t convert.”
Having beaten the other five sides in the Currie Cup competition, the only team remaining to be added to the list is the Free State Cheetahs which the coach accepts as a challenge, but one we’re looking forward to, particularly with top of the log status up for grabs.
“This game is very important – every game is, but this one probably more so – we obviously want to win, that will take us top of the log, but what’s crucial for us is to concentrate on our game.”
Captain Ruan Botha speaking about the momentum after five wins from five starts, admits that the winning streak the team find themselves enjoying is a real confidence boost.
“Winning a few games in a row lifts us, the guys are starting to believe that a home semi and possible home final are both in sight.
“But we are still taking it one game at a time and this week it’s the Cheetahs who we don’t want to underestimate.
“It’s important that we respect the team that comes here while we focus on playing our game.”
The post Preview: Cell C Sharks vs Free State appeared first on Sharks Rugby.
Cell C Sharks U/21 Season Commences:
The SA Rugby U21 Championship commences for the Cell C Sharks Under 21 this weekend against Eastern Province when the age group teams meet at Despatch Rugby Club this Saturday at 3pm.
Head Coach Paul Anthony has worked with a number of the players at both age group level as well as the SuperSport Rugby Challenge and will be looking for continuity in the team, given that he has been working with many of the players both this year and last.
Eastern Province Under 21s just pipped the Cell C Sharks Under21s on the log last year while the two teams last met at Growthpoint KINGS PARK in 2016 with the visitors coming out tops, but only narrowly, running out 23-21 winners after scoring an injury time penalty that allowed them to overcome their hosts in a very tight game.
“We’re really looking forward to this match,” said Paul Anthony. “We’ve been training together for a while now, we’ve had a good preseason and our preparations are going according to plan.
“The boys are excited now to get onto the field and play.”
The competition kicked off last week with Eastern Province suffering a debilitating 78-17 loss to the Golden Lions, Free State overcame the Leopards 31-27 and in the final game, another close match, Western Province ran the Blue Bulls close before going down 35-33.
“EP were beaten by the Lions quite badly, but having watched the game, they’re a lot better than the score suggests and they are missing a number of players,” he added. “We mustn’t forget either that this is the team that won the Under 19 competition two years back so we’re not going to take them lightly.
“We’re playing them in Dispatch which is a daunting task in itself but we have prepared well over the last six to seven weeks and feeling comfortable.”
The Cell C Sharks are missing four players to the senior side but the team has worked hard. “We’re looking forward to going down there and hopefully winning. We hope to play some good rugby, we have some good decision-makers in an exciting backline, the players want to play a bit. The boys are solid upfront with a strong back row.”
The Cell C Sharks had a bye last week and are the only team yet to play. Kick-off in their match against EP is at 3pm.
| The Cell C Sharks Under 21 |
Replacements |
||
| 1 | Jordan Els | 16 | Ntuthuko Mthembu |
| 2 | Franco Botha | 17 | Ngoni Chidoma |
| 3 | Khutha Mchunu | 18 | Andrew Evans |
| 4 | Rikus Zwart | 19 | William Squires |
| 5 | Ryan Carlson | 20 | Cornelius Otto |
| 6 | Michael Meyer (Captain) | 21 | Hendrik de Villiers |
| 7 | Bandisa Ndlovu | 22 | Taigh Schoor |
| 8 | Kwanda Dimaza | ||
| 9 | Grant Williams | ||
| 10 | Courtney Winnaar | ||
| 11 | Ilunga Mukendi | ||
| 12 | Alwayno Visagie | ||
| 13 | Tristan Blewett | ||
| 14 | Mfundo Ndhlovu | ||
| 15 | Morne Joubert |
The post Cell C Sharks U/21 Season Commences appeared first on Sharks Rugby.
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