Energised Sharks named for Lions clash
The long-awaited
return of competitive domestic rugby has come to an end as the Cell C Sharks
line up against the Lions in their opening game of Super Rugby Unlocked kicking
off at Jonsson Kings Park this Friday evening.
Sean Everitt’s men had one game to prepare for this clash with Super Hero Saturday’s loss to the Bulls two weeks ago. The coach was quick to dismiss that game as warm-up preparation for Friday and the opposition can expect a very different Sharks team.
“This game is slightly different (to Super Hero Saturday), it’s going to be played in different conditions and a different time of day,” Everitt said.
“We’ve also had time to reflect on that game against the Bulls and learn from our mistakes so what you are going to see on Friday is an energised, enthusiastic and well prepared Sharks team.”
The Super Rugby Unlocked competition is new and unique in the South African rugby landscape but the coach is adamant that the players will take it as seriously as any other competition given there is silverware on the line.
“Everyone looks forward to winning a competition because those days are embedded in your mind for eternity.
“The competition starts on a clean slate but we are a slightly different outfit to what we were in Super Rugby.
"We have a few new recruits in our set-up and have certainly strengthen up in certain areas. At the end of the day it is a competition and we will go all out to preform week in and week out.”
The Sharks have named five debutants in their 23-man squad for Friday with new signings Werner Kok and Manie Libbock starting.
Amongst the replacements Dan Jooste, Mpilo Gumede and Thaakir Abrahams are in
line for full debuts after featuring for the Sharks in the Super Hero Saturday
clash with the Bulls.
Kick off at Jonsson Kings Park is 19:00.
Cell C Sharks Starting XV
1 Ox Nche, 2 Dylan Richardson, 3 Thomas du Toit, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 5 Hyron Andrews, 6 James Venter, 7 Phepsi Buthelezi, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 9 Sanele Nohamba, 10 Curwin Bosch, 11 Werner Kok*, 12 Marius Louw, 13 Lukhanyo Am (c), 14 JP Pietersen, 15 Manie Libbok*.
Replacements
16 Dan Jooste*, 17 Mzamo Majola, 18 John-Hubert Meyer, 19 JJ van der Mescht, 20 Mpilo Gumede*, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Jeremy Ward, 23 Thaakir Abrahams*.
*Denotes debut for the Cell C Sharks
