The Cell C Sharks see out the 2022 year with a New Year’s Eve derby against the Vodacom Bulls at Hollywoodbets Kings Park in what should be a tense and exciting Vodacom United rugby Championship clash.
Both teams have enjoyed a good run of form of late, although the Bulls came up short against the DHL Stormers in last weekend’s round of local derbies which saw them drop from second to fourth spot on the URC log.
Still, that loss aside, the Bulls continue to offer a real test against every opponent they face, including the Cell C Sharks.
The Durban side is enjoying a rich vein of form, having won their last four games across the URC and the Heineken Champions Cup and will go into this game with plenty of momentum and confidence, knowing they have the team and the ability to deliver performances that produce the results.
Following last week’s emphatic 37-10 victory over the Emirates Lions, the Cell C Sharks team named by Director of Rugby Neil Powell sees the return of some of the team’s big names.
Managing the heavy workload of his Springboks has been a delicate balancing act, but this week they are back in action, testament to the threat posed by the visiting Bulls.
Changes from last week’s side see Ox Nche and Bongi Mbonambi back to partner Thomas du Toit in an all-Springbok front row, while Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi return to start the game, with Kolisi leading the side into battle.
Henco Venter and Sikhumbuzo Notshe complete the back row.
Marnus Potgieter is in for the injured Werner Kok, this being the only change to last week’s backline as Powell looks to maintain continuity amongst the backs.
Saturday’s match kicks off at 4.45pm.
Cell C Sharks
1. Ox Nche
2. Bongi Mbonambi
3. Thomas du Toit
4. Eben Etzebeth
5. Gerbrandt Grobler
6. Siya Kolisi (c)
7. Henco Venter
8. Sikhumbuzo Notshe
9. Grant Williams
10. Curwin Bosch
11. Makazole Mapimpi
12. Rohan Janse van Rensburg
13. Lukhanyo Am
14. Marnus Potgieter
15. Boeta Chamberlain
Replacements
16. Kerron van Vuuren
17. Dian Bleuler
18. Carlu Sadie
19. Hyron Andrews
20. Phepsi Buthelezi
21. Jaden Hendrikse
22. Lionel Cronje
23. Yaw Penxe
The post The Final Push appeared first on The Sharks.
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Quick Durban KwaZulu-Natal Fact: Famous sports events – Comrades Marathon – An annual marathon run between Pietermaritzburg and Durban. Midmar Mile – A mile long swimming race held annually at Midmar Dam. Dusi Canoe Marathon – An annual canoe marathon, starting in Pietermaritzburg and ending in Durban. Durban July Handicap – South Africa’s premier annual horse racing event at Greyville Racecourse in Durban. Gunston 500 – a premier international surfing event hosted in Durban.
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