Sharks pick formidable side for Currie Cup semi
The self-appointed underdog
Cell C Sharks have picked a strong side for their Carling Currie Cup semi-final
against Western Province at Newlands on Saturday looking for a third final appearance
in the last four editions.
The fixture will be the final match at Newlands no matter the result as the hosts now head to the Cape Town Stadium to play their home matches. This final swansong could prove to be a strong tonic for the home side going into the clash.
This is a clash that hasn’t been witnessed since the Sharks beat the Stormers during the early parts of Super Rugby in 2020 with both of their scheduled fixtures in Super Rugby Unlocked and the Currie Cup called off due to Covid-19 outbreaks at the Sharks.
“We have noticed through our analysis nothing really has changed but what Province have done is complimented the strength of their pack with a good kicking game,” coach Sean Everitt said.
“They not taking any chances in their own half and kicking the ball long which gives us some chances from a counter-attack point of view.
“If we don’t play accurately when receiving the kicks from them we could be in a spot of bother.”
The Sharks have named their strongest side with Thomas du Toit returning to the pack which is set to be a huge welcome to a forward pack that has struggled throughout the competition. In contrast the home side will be without the in-form Stephen Kitshoff for the showdown.
“Stephen Kitshoff is probably one of the best loose head props in the world and he’s been playing exceptionally well,” mentioned Everitt.
“Without him it’s still a formidable tight five as it is and there is no way they are going to be easier for us. They are still a threat.”
Fezo Mbatha and JJ van der Mescht have been rewarded for good performances and will start in the tight five despite some more fancied players on the bench.
“We felt that Fez went really well against Griquas and there was a large improvement in our scrummaging.
“JJ put in a great performance, probably one of his better performances, against Griquas so we earns his spot on merit and with Hyron Andrews coming back from a break we felt we needed to go with our fittest tight five.”
The Sharks have had their talisman Aphelele Fassi back in the mix for their last few games and with him at the back the side have a number of dangerous attacking options. Everitt believes that with Fassi getting more and more game time the side is on the brink of hitting their straps fully.
"Fassi offers us a different dimension on counter attack and it’s an area we probably haven’t performed quite as well as we would have liked to.
“We have battled to get that continuity in selection but the guys have trained really well these last few weeks and we are looking to get back to that form we showed during Super Rugby last year,” the coach added.
Cell C Sharks
1. Ox Nche, 2. Fezokuhle Mbatha, 3. Thomas du Toit, 4. JJ van der Mescht, 5. Ruben van Heerden, 6. Dylan Richardson, 7. Henco Venter, 8. Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 9. Sanele Nohamba, 10. Curwin Bosch, 11. Yaw Penxe,12. Marius Louw, 13. Lukhanyo Am (C),14. Sbu Nkosi,15. Aphelele Fassi.
Replacements:
16. Daniel Jooste, 17. Mzamo Majola, 18. Michael Kumbirai, 19. Hyron Andrews, 20. Thembelani Bholi, 21. Jaden Hendrikse, 22. Jeremy Ward, 23. Manie Libbok.
