Stepping Up a Gear – Featured Durban Blog

The Cell C Sharks will have their toughest assignment to date when they host the Blue Bulls in Saturday evening’s explosive Absa Currie Cup showdown at Growthpoint KINGS PARK.

Head Coach Robert du Preez has not tinkered with the team too much, making a couple of injury-related changes as well as rotational.

Lukhanyo Am returns to the side after missing last week’s match due to injury, replacing Heimar Williams at outside centre where he partner’s up with Andre Esterhuizen who is enjoying the coaching and new style of play.

“We’re encouraged to play more rugby, running rugby,” he explains. “The environment is good and we’re enjoying it.

Reflecting on the Currie Cup as it approaches the halfway stage, he believes the competition is still wide open.

“The three bonus point wins have given us a lot of confidence as we go into the next game, against the Bulls. We know it’s going to be a tough physical challenge but we’ve prepared well for it.”

In the second change to the backline, Lwazi Mvovo, released from the Springboks, returns to the Cell C Sharks and takes over from S’bura Sithole on the wing.

Philip van der Walt will move back to eighthman from the flank after the sad loss of Tera Mtembu who not be considered for selection this week after injuring his knee in last week’s match against Boland.

This also means the return of Jean-Luc du Preez to the starting line-up to complete a particularly complementary back three, boasting speed, skill, aggression and experience.

The rotational change last week is enacted again as Franco Marais and Chiliboy Ralepelle swap jerseys at hooker.

The Cell C Sharks