New look Sharks for Cheetahs
They face their remaining two pool games with the clear understanding that two wins will assure them of a top two finish ahead of the Finals Series.
With the heavy workload suffered by the Cell C Sharks and Springbok front row, Director of Rugby Jake White has opted for rotation, with Dale Chadwick, Kyle Cooper and Lourens Adriaanse starting this match.
Anton Bresler makes a welcome return to action and has been named alongside new-Bok Stefan Lewies in the second row while Jean Deysel takes over the captaincy armband.
Tim Swiel has been named to start at flyhalf with Frans Steyn reverting to centre, partnering S’bura Sithole in the midfield.
The bench, loaded with six Springboks, should provide plenty of firepower in the latter stages of this vital clash. Thomas du Toit, back from an outstanding campaign for the SA Under 20 side, has earned a call-up to the senior side, having featured in the Vodacom Cup for the Cell C Sharks XV earlier this season.
Cell C Sharks starting 15:
15. SP Marais
14. JP Pietersen
13. S’bura Sithole
12. Francois Steyn
11. Lwazi Mvovo
10. Tim Swiel
9. Cobus Reinach
8. Ryan Kankowski
7. Jean Deysel (Captain)<
6. Marcell Coetzee
5. Anton Bresler
4. Stephan Lewies
3. Lourens Adriaanse
2. Kyle Cooper
1. Dale Chadwick
Replacements
16. Thomas du Toit
17. Bismarck du Plessis
18. Jannie du Plessis
19. Willem Alberts
20. Tera Mtembu
21. Charl McLeod
22. Odwa Ndungane
23. Tonderai Chavhanga
(File Photo:Gallo Images)
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