Phepsi Buthelezi will lead a formidable and very familiar-looking Cell C Sharks side in their Carling Currie Cup opener against the Tafel Lager Griquas in Kimberley on Saturday afternoon as an exciting new chapter awaits.
South Africa’s premier domestic rugby competition will pit seven provincial franchises against one another over 14 weeks between Friday 18 June and Saturday 28 August, and with the Springboks away on national duty, this opens the window of opportunity for the unearthing of new talent.
As far as the team named by the Cell C Sharks coach goes, there are no surprises and he has been able to name a starting XV filled with experience, all with game time during the recently concluded Rainbow Cup SA competition. Curwin Bosch, who has played a lot of rugby, has been given a rest.
Commenting on the appointment of his new captain who will lead his troops out onto the field on Saturday, Everitt said that it was Buthelezi’s leadership and maturity that made the decision an easy one.
“Phepsi was head boy at his school and captained the teams he played for at DHS and he’s a player mature beyond his years. He came to The Sharks at Under 19 level and excelled as a captain in the unbeaten team that won the trophy in 2018.
“Due to this and the performances, and his impressive leadership he became the national Under 20 captain in 2019, representing south Africa at the Junior World Cup.
“He has been playing exceptionally well, he’s a guy who has come through the ranks and we believe he is someone who can use this Currie Cup experience as a leader to take the Cell C Sharks forward in an exciting future.”
Cell C Sharks
1. Khwezi Mona
2. Fez Mbatha
3. Khutha Mchunu
4. Ruben van Heerden
5. Hyron Andrews
6. James Venter
7. Thebelani Bholi
8. Phepsi Buthelezi (c)
9. Jaden Hendrikse
10. Boeta Chamberlain
11. Anthony Volmink
12. Marius Louw
13. Jeremy Ward (v/c)
14. Werner Kok
15. Manie Libbok
Replacements
16. Kerron van Vuuren
17. Mzamo Majola
18. Wiehahn Herbst
19. JJ van der Mescht
20. Reniel Hugo
21. Mpilo Gumede
22. Grant Williams
23. Marnus Potgieter
The post Tournament Opener appeared first on The Sharks.
SA Home Loans Durban take an early lead on the log table after round two of the Fidelity Services Premier Division league for the prized Moor Cup after a great away win over Varsity College at the Riverside Sports complex in Durban North.
Leading 14-13 at the break Collegians eventually outscored their hosts four tries to one after an impressive second-half eventually winning 33-13 with tries going to Bennie Mashababane, Moses Mpanda, Matt Seba and Tagen Strydom with Duncan Campbell doing the rest with his trusty boot.
In Zululand Richards Bay entertained College Rovers in their opener of the season only to find themselves on the losing end with Rovers returning home with a comfortable 60-10 win over the men from the Bay. Rovers in the end scored 10 tries to the two from Richards Bay with Sibulele Nanto leading the charge with two touchdowns and the others going to Mesuli Mncwango, Fanelesibonga Zwane, Darrol Brink, Minenhle ‘Bushy’ Mthethwa , Philani Mzileni, Matthew Diedericks and Cuchulain Livingstone with Inny Radeba adding 20 points with the boot.
In Amanzimtoti Vox Crusaders thumped the South Coast Terriers 72-7
In the First Division Westville Old Boys are clearly the side to watch after yet another convincing win beating the Maritzburg Rugby Club 85-8 at Woodburn in the capital. South Coast Warriors making their first appearance in the league accounted for Ballito Dolphins beating the North Coast side 31-5, while UKZN Durban edged out Drakensberg 26-22 in Winterton.
In the Under 20 games for the Frank Norris Cup Varsity College came from behind to beat Durban Collegians 30-27 in a tight and enthralling game, while College Rovers beat Collegians ‘B’ 77-8 and Crusaders beat UKZN Durban 39-12
College Rovers will be at home to Amanzimtoti on Saturday Durban Collegians entertain Richards Bay and Crusaders face the students from UKZN Pietermaritzburg on their home grounds in Durban North.
The post FIDELITY SERVICES CLUB RUGBY appeared first on The Sharks.
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