Henco Venter to lead the Sharks against the Cheetahs
Following the injury to Lukhanyo Am, which will see him sidelined for four weeks, flank Henco Venter will captain the Cell C Sharks against his former team the Cheetahs at Jonsson Kings Park in Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked this Friday night.
The Sharks seemed to come into their own in the win against the Pumas in Mbombela last weekend and despite the loss of Am and fellow Springbok wing Sbu Nkosi they will hope they can continue that form against a dangerous Cheetahs side.
It might have been a surprising decision from coach Sean Everitt to select Venter as captain but he is confident in the decision.
"Henco has been in our leadership group this year and showed strong leadership over the last weekend against the Pumas," Everitt said. "He might not have been a guy that most people would have chosen but he has been a silent leader within the group and we feel that he is the right person to captain the side."
Injuries have once again hit the Sharks at the wrong time, however they still have a strong core of players that have been involved in all three games so far this campaign.
Madosh Tambwe comes back into the starting line-up in place of the missing Nkosi while Jeremy Ward will fill the number 13 jersey in Am's absence.
Both players have played important roles in Sharks sides in the past and will add good experience to the set-up.
Amongst the forward pack there are no changes to the eight that did duty on the Lowveld last weekend. Phepsi Buthelezi, Venter and Dylan Richardson make up the loose trio.
JJ van der Mescht get's another start in the second row with Hyron Andrews and Dan Jooste starts his second consecutive game at hooker.
On the bench, Sikhumbuzo Notshe makes a return after an injury while Werner Kok also returns to the match 23.
Cell C Sharks
15. Manie Libbok, 14. Yaw Penxe, 13. Jeremy Ward, 12. Marius Louw, 11. Madosh Tambwe, 10. Curwin Bosch, 9. Sanele Nohamba, 8. Phepsi Buthelezi, 7. Henco Venter (c), 6. Dylan Richardson, 5. Hyron Andrews, 4. JJ van der Mescht, 3. John-Hubert Meyer, 2. Dan Jooste, 1. Ox Nche.
Replacements
16. Kerron van Vuuren, 17. Mzamo Majola, 18. Michael Kumbirai, 19. Ruben van Heerden, 20. Thembelani Bholi, 21. Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 22. Grant Williams, 23. Werner Kok.
