Quarter-Final Time for Cell C Sharks XV:
The Cell C Sharks XV will host the Xerox Golden Lions XV in their Supersport Rugby Challenge quarter-final clash at JONSSON KINGS PARK on Saturday afternoon.
In what should be a competitive match between the sides, the curtain-raiser to the Cell C Sharks match against the Emirates Lions later, the tournament has now reached the important stages.
Both teams are fresh – and morale-boosted – following big wins in the final weekend of the pool stages last weekend with the Lions enjoying a 47-29 victory over the Blue Bulls and the Cell C Sharks putting on an equally emphatic performance before running out 48-21 winners over the Toyota Free State XV.
In both cases the victors were able to leap-frog the vanquished into second spot on their respective logs, with the Cell C Sharks XV shading the Lions by one log point to ensure that they host the knock-out match on Sunday.
They will take a lot of confidence out of the recent good form – last week against Free State in particular – as they look to take on a strong Lions side.
“It was a good win for us, we needed it to qualify and credit must go to the boys for putting their bodies on the line; I’m very happy with the five points,” said head coach Ricardo Loubscher.
He has made several changes to last week’s side, enforced due to the Vodacom Super Rugby players returning to The Cell C Sharks team for their match against the Lions in the main game.
“This weekend is a tough one for us, if you look at their DNA, they like to have a crack so defensively we need to bring our A-game. But the boys are excited for this one and looking forward to it. Hopefully we can put up a good performance in front of our home crowd.”
The difference between winning and losing in these matches can come down to an opportunity finished or the bounce of the ball. Loubscher admitted that his team will look to exploit any chances they get in what is expected to be a tight game.
“Any knockout game is about taking your opportunities, making sure you defend when you need to and then take the points whenever the chance presents itself. We might get one or two opportunities and that might be the difference in the game.
“And then adapting to the referee and making sure we’re on the right side of the calls.”
The Cell C Sharks XV were bolstered last week but even without some of the Vodacom Super Rugby players, the team still has a settled look about it.
“We’re excited for this one, we’ve worked hard the whole season and the players can’t wait to have a go on Saturday.”
| The Cell C Sharks XV | Replacements |
| 1. Jordan Els | 16. Kerron van Vuuren |
| 2. Franco Marais | 17. Khutha Mchunu |
| 3. John-Hubert Meyer | 18. Mzamo Majola |
| 4. Rikus Zwart | 19. JJ van der Mescht |
| 5. Andrew Evans | 20. Kwanda Dimaza |
| 6. Cornelius Otto | 21. Francois de Villiers |
| 7. Wian Vosloo | 22. Danrich Visagie |
| 8. Tera Mtembu (C) | |
| 9. Grant Williams | |
| 10. Garth April | |
| 11. Tristan Blewett | |
| 12. Jeremy Ward | |
| 13. Kobus van Wyk | |
| 14. Aphelele Fassi | |
| 15. Courtney Winnaar |
The post Quarter-Final Time for Cell C Sharks XV appeared first on Sharks Rugby.
Vodacom Super Rugby action returns this weekend with the Cell C Sharks hosting the Emirates Lions in what is shaping out to be a massive contest between the sides at JONSSON KINGS PARK on Saturday.
Head coach Robert du Preez has had no hesitation in throwing his Springbok players back into action as they look to take the confidence out of the Test series win over England into Vodacom Super Rugby.
One of those is wing Sbu Nkosi who put in one outstanding performance for the Springboks after another.
The 22-year-old set the international rugby scene alight with some electric performances for the Springboks in the Test series against England and now can’t wait to get stuck into Vodacom Super Rugby action again.
Looking back, he admits that June was a very memorable month for him, having made his Springbok debut and a start of what should be a long and rewarding international career.
“I haven’t really had time to reflect yet because my focus is on the next job and to perform at my highest standard,” he explains. “But it was a great time for me, even if I must put it behind me and shift my attention to playing for my franchise.
“As a rugby player, I believe I’ve grown a lot, skill-wise and conditioning, the high intensity training can only benefit me in Super Rugby. Also being around good men with lots of experience, I’ve grown personally too: how to conduct myself in the team environment.”
On Saturday, some of the players he has enormous amounts of respect for will be sworn enemies from the Lions’ camp.
“This is business, nothing personal,” he admits. “It’s my franchise against yours and we’ll put friendship aside for now until after the game. It’s game on, especially when you are passionate about your union.”
There is plenty of motivation to beat the top South African side; the Lions have enjoyed a run of success against local sides stretching back a couple of seasons now.
“Their successes against the other franchises isn’t something we’ve spoken about in the camp, but inside all of us we know we’ve owed the Lions one for a while now.
“It’s a big South African derby, we all expect fireworks when the Sharks play the Lions, but we’re all up for it.”
Not only is it about pride but also the fact that the Cell C Sharks are playing for a place in the knock-out rounds too.
“That’s good motivation, especially as we know everything is still in our hands and we’re not dependant on any other results to influence our qualification. It’s a good reason to keep it tight and win this game.”
| The Cell C Sharks |
Replacements |
| 1. Tendai Mtawarira |
16. Chiliboy Ralepelle |
| 2. Akker van der Merwe |
17. Juan Schoeman |
| 3. Thomas du Toit |
18. Ross Geldenhuys |
| 4. Tyler Paul |
19. Hyron Andrews |
| 5. Ruan Botha (C) |
20. Jacques Vermeulen |
| 6. Philip van der Walt |
21.Louis Schreuder |
| 7. Jean-Luc du Preez |
22. Marius Louw |
| 8. Daniel du Preez |
23. Lwazi Mvovo |
| 9. Cameron Wright |
|
| 10. Robert du Preez |
|
| 11. Makazole Mapimpi |
|
| 12. Andre Esterhuizen |
|
| 13. Lukhanyo Am |
|
| 14. Sbu Nkosi |
|
| 15. Curwin Bosch |
The post Game On appeared first on Sharks Rugby.
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