The Cell C Sharks depart for the first month’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship action with a 34 man squad to play in four successive matches in Ireland, Scotland and Wales beginning next Saturday.
Head coach Sean Everitt has picked two, and sometimes three, players in each position given the Covid-19 protocols around international travel and proper isolation and quarantine practices, as well as accounting for any injuries that may be picked up within this four match period.
Ruan Pienaar and Tian Meyer have both been included in the squad, having signed agreements with the Cell C Sharks from Toyota Free State, while there are welcome returns from injury for the lock pairing of Ruben van Heerden and Hyron Andrews.
Phepsi Buthelezi continues to lead a settled and experienced squad of players in the absence of Lukhanyo Am who will take over the captaincy on his return from Springbok duty.
“The boys are up for the challenge, we have some experienced players who have played in the Pro16 before and have had a taste of European conditions, and we have coaching staff who have coached at the highest level; we’re all confident that we can do well overseas,” said Everitt.
“We’ve taken a young squad mixed with some older heads with experience and it will be exciting to see what these guys can deliver against opposition that we don’t see too often, nor play against.”
The Cell C Sharks kick off their campaign against, Munster next Saturday and in round two (Saturday 2 October) travel to Scotland to take on Glasgow Warriors before heading to Wales for rounds three and four, against the Ospreys on Friday 8 Octoberbefore rounding off the month-long tour against Cardiff on 16 October.
“The boys are excited about experiencing a new competition, the URC is a tough tournament that brings in new challenges and different opposition but the guys are up for the challenge after a very good Currie Cup and a good year.”
The Cell C Sharks touring squad:
Forwards
- Dan Jooste
- Dylan Richardson
- Fez Mbatha
- Gebrandt Grobler
- Henco Venter
- Hyron Andrews
- James Venter
- Kerron van Vuuren
- Khutha Mchunu
- Khwezi Mona
- Le Roux Roets
- Lourens Adriaanse
- Mpilo Gumede
- Ntuthuko Mchunu
- Phepsi Buthelezi
- Reniel Hugo
- Ruben van Heerden
- Thembelani Bholi
- Thomas du Toit
- Wiehahn Herbst
Backs:
- Anthony Volmink
- Boeta Chamberlain
- Curwin Bosch
- Jeremy Ward
- Marius Louw
- Marnus Potgieter
- Murray Koster
- Ruan Pienaar
- Rynhardt Jonker
- Sanele Nohamba
- Thaakir Abrahams
- Tian Meyer
- Werner Kok
- Yaw Penxe
The post Touring Squad appeared first on The Sharks.
The Cell C Sharks Under 20s return to action after a three week break from the SA Rugby Under 20 Championship looking for a winning performance against Free State at Jonsson Kings Park on Friday afternoon.
The sides have had similar campaigns in the early stages of the tournament, with Free State one position lower on the log with an extra game played, but both sides will be gunning for a positive result which lends itself to an enticing contest.
In explaining where the team’s preparations are, head coach Mike Vowles pronounced himself satisfied with their readiness for the match.
“After sending the players home for a brief mental and physical refresh during our team and the competition bye, we returned to training and have been at it flat-out for the last two weeks.
“We had a hit-out against a Sharks Academy side last week and took a lot of positives out of that match, particularly with how we want to approach the Cheetahs and what the plan is going forward. The guys also took a lot of confidence out of it and prep has gone really well.”
Vowles has been forced into changes for the match, explaining that one man’s misfortune is another’s moment to shine.
“We’ve had a couple of injuries which has given some players an opportunity, so we’re looking forward to seeing what they can do.
“In terms of our season, this is quite a big game, we want to get that winning feeling back and build confidence, so it’s important both for us and within the competition, for us to fight for a semi-final place.”
Cell C Sharks Under 20s
1. Charles Gamhiwa
2. Jacques Goosen
3. Munashe Mhere
4. Andrew Beyrooti
5. Ockie Barnard
6. Damon Royle
7. Enos Ndiao
8. Siya Ningiza
9. Bradley Davids
10. Kian Meadon
11. Siviwe Zondani
12. Brandon Wilkie
13. Lloyd Koster
14. Curwin Gertse
15. Katlego Thinyane
Replacements
16. Dagan Meuwese
17. Henko Smuts
18. Blaine Golden
19. Tiaan Jonker
20. Jaques Marais
21. Daimon O’Connell
22. Mambo Mkhize
23. Simelela Nkomo
24. Odwa Moletsane
25. Warrick Day
26. Daniel van Huizen
The post Hitting the Ground Running appeared first on The Sharks.
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Have you tried: Visiting Port Elizabeth?
Quick Durban KwaZulu-Natal Fact: Durban plays host to Africa’s greatest horse race – the Durban July, held annually on the first Saturday in July at Greyville Racecourse. While the first official horse race took place there in 1844, the first Durban July – then called the Durban Turf Club Handicap – was run in 1897. It’s been run every year since then and now attracts over 50,000 visitors to Durban over ‘July Weekend’.
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