Timely Returns – Featured Durban Blog

The Cell C Sharks welcome back a number of players to the frontline as they prepare to take on the Golden Lions on Friday evening (5pm) in their final pool match of the 2016 Currie Cup competition.

With so much riding on the outcome, the return to action of captain Keegan Daniel and possibly Stephan Lewies (who must still undergo a late fitness test and has been bracketed in with Jean Droste on the bench), as well as Springboks Lourens Adriaanse and Lwazi Mvovo who have been released back to the union, comes at a most opportune time.

The Cell C Sharks are currently in third position on the log, with enough points to go through to the semi-finals, but without any guarantee, aside from the fact that they hold their collective destiny in their own hands.

Beating the Lions will give them automatic entry into the semis, but with Western Province likely to defeat Boland at home, the Cell C Sharks know that this match is an effective knock-out.

Keegan Daniel returns to captain the side at eighthman, sadly Philip van der Walt has not recovered significantly from his concussion, so Daniel’s return is made all the more important given his leadership and playing ability.

Head coach Robert du Preez has made just one more change to the pack, with the aforementioned Adriaanse returning to pack down at tighthead prop.  Amongst the backs, Mvovo is the only change, coming in for Wandile Mjekevu who shifts to the bench.  With Pat Lambie having been co-opted into the Bok squad for Saturday’s Castle Lager Rugby Championship match against the Wallabies, Garth April returns to the side to provide back-up at flyhalf.

The Cell C Sharks