The Cell C Sharks XV will look to secure back-to-back victories in the SuperSport Rugby Challenge when they host the Border Bulldogs at JONSSON KINGS PARK on Saturday (14h30) in the curtain-raiser to the Cell C Sharks-Emirates Lions Vodacom Super Rugby clash.
The Cell C Sharks XV will take huge confidence from last week’s match when they beat the previously undefeated Boland Cavaliers 29-28 in a closely fought match.
Although the team enjoyed a good win, head coach Sean admits that there is some work ahead of the team.
“It was a great win and although we played well at times, it wasn’t a complete performance, so we know we need to improve if we want to make the semi-finals. But we showed flashes of brilliance at times although we didn’t always finish off which is frustrating.”
Everitt has stuck largely with the team he named last week, although injuries and national call-ups have made continuity in team selection somewhat disruptive.
“We have been disrupted with injuries, both to Super Rugby players and team members of our own, but the guys have remained positive, they know what they need to do when they get opportunities and they’re enjoying themselves because they know if they take their chances, there are Super Rugby opportunities for them.
“The players are happy, they’re motivated and there’s no faulting their effort.”
Border defeated Zimbabwe Academy 41-16 in their opening match of the tournament but have since struggled in the competition, although they have looked competitive at times.
“They’ve had an up and down campaign,” Everitt explains. “They started the competition well but had a heavy defeat against Eastern Province last week, although they were a lot better against Western Province and Zimbabwe.
“We’re expecting improved play from them, while we’re hoping for a good performance from our perspective.”
Cell C Sharks XV
- James Scott
- Cullen Collopy
- Khutha Mchunu
- Gideon Koegelenberg
- Andrew Evans
- Luke Stringer
- Tyler Paul
- Kwanda Dimaza
- Zee Makabela
- Inny Radebe
- Charlie Mayeza
- Marius Louw
- Jeremy Ward (C)
- Sicelo Tole
- Boeta Chamberlain
Replacements
- Michael Meyer
- Francois Klopper
- Marcell Barnard
- Jacques Ackermann
- Damian Stevens
- Murray Koster
- Le Roux Malan
The post Seeking Back-to-Back Success appeared first on Sharks Rugby.
Cell C Sharks head coach Robert du Preez has named a slightly changed team to play the Emirates Lions at JONSSON KINGS PARK on Saturday afternoon as he welcomes back a couple of players from injury and has also had to be accommodating for other players unavailable.
Most of the changes are in the pack, with Mzamo Majola coming in for Thomas du Toit at loosehead while Ruben van Heerden is back after missing the Chiefs match and partners Ruan Botha at lock. Hyron Andrews plays off the bench this week.
Daniel du Preez also returns to the starting line-up with Philip van der Walt moving back to flank and Jacques Vermeulen named amongst the replacements. Injuries to Akker van der Merwe and Craig Burden mean a possible debut for Dylan Richardson who is named as reserve hooker.
Andre Esterhuizen is back in the final change to the starting line-up and only change to a very settled backline.
The centre admits that there’s great excitement in the camp ahead of the game. “We’re back, refreshed after the bye week and ready for this match.”
“There are a lot of positives in this group, primarily that we are not going to play with a fear of losing, we want to play to win and enjoy the game.”
With four games remaining, he admits that the two home and two away games take on great importance for the team’s campaign, particularly as congested as the table is.
“Every game is vital from now on, there are just a few points that separates the teams in the South African Conference, so we know the importance of every single game.
“But we aren’t putting pressure on ourselves; we’re going out there to enjoy it and play for each other. That’s what we thrived on during the tour and it worked for us.”
Cell C Sharks
- Mzamo Majola
- Kerron van Vuuren
- Coenie Oosthuizen
- Ruben van Heerden
- Ruan Botha
- Philip van der Walt
- Jean-Luc du Preez
- Daniel du Preez
- Louis Schreuder (c)
- Curwin Bosch
- Makazole Mapimpi
- Andre Esterhuizen
- Lukhanyo Am
- Sbu Nkosi
- Aphelele Fassi
Replacements
- Dylan Richardson*
- Juan Schoeman
- John-Hubert Meyer
- Hyron Andrews
- Jacques Vermeulen
- Cameron Wright
- Robert du Preez
- Kobus van Wyk
The post A Handful of Changes appeared first on Sharks Rugby.
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