Sharks name strong side for Lions URC clash
Cell C Sharks coach
Sean Everitt has named an experienced match-day 23 for their United Rugby
Championship clash with the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday.
Amongst the match-day squad is the Australian international Ben Tapuai who will make his Sharks debut on Saturday having joined the side recently and he will pair up with captain Luhkanyo Am in the centres.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and hooker Bongi Mbonambi are not in the squad for the match; however the Sharks still have a formidable squad.
Despite having seven internationals in the starting line-up for this weekend's clash, coach Everitt knows how difficult the task of beating the Lions in Johannesburg will be.
"They are a dangerous team, and we know that they will be hyped up and ready for us," Everitt said. "The way that they ran in tries against the Stormers just shows that they are a very dangerous team."
The Sharks will now go on a run of four consecutive matches in the competition. Being able to have a consistent run of matches is important for Everitt and his team.
"In an ideal world you want to build momentum in a match situation from week to week but it's a card that the South African teams have been dealt and so we have had to adjust.
"We are able to build cohesion in our training sessions and this break has allowed us to push ourselves harder and I believe we fitter now than we were when we broke on the third of December," Everitt added.
An all-Springbok back three has been selected by Everitt with Sbu Nkosi, Makazole Mapimpi and Aphelele Fassi making up the trio. Fassi hasn’t played a match since he featured against Argentina in the Rugby Championship last year but has been with the Springbok squad throughout the Lions tour, Rugby Championship and the end of year tour.
Good news for the Sharks in the longer term is that Sikhumbuzo Notsche has been given the green light and will be available for selection going forward following a devastating knee injury early last year.
Kick off at Ellis Park is at 15:00 on Saturday.
Cell C Sharks v Lions
1 Ox Nche, 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 3 Thomas du Toit, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 5 Hyron Andrews, 6 James Venter, 7 Jeandre Labuschagne, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 9 Grant Williams, 10 Boeta Chamberlain, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 12 Ben Tapuai*, 13 Lukhanyo Am (C), 14 Sbu Nkosi, 15 Aphelele Fassi.
Replacements
16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Khutha Mchunu, 19 Reniel Hugo, 20 Henco Venter, 21 Jaden Hendrikse, 22 Tito Bonilla, 23 Jeremy Ward.
