Sharks show hand for Moses Mabhida clash
The Cell C Sharks will meet French side Bordeaux Bègles at Moses Mabhida Stadium in the inaugural Durban Challenge on Friday evening at 19h00.
The match begins what is a festival of rugby this weekend in the province, together with Saturday afternoon’s opening match of the Rugby Championship when the Springboks host Argentina at JONSSON KINGS PARK.
Making up the trifecta is an opportunity to catch future Cell C Sharks players in action when the unbeaten Under 19 side host the Golden Lions in the earlier game (4.30pm) on Friday.
For the Cell C Sharks, the match against the visiting Union Bordeaux Bègles side represents an opportunity for game-time ahead of the upcoming Currie Cup competition. Head coach Robert du Preez will also use this match to test previously untested combinations.
Hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle will lead a youthful side that still contains a number of Vodacom Super Rugby players who will lend experience, guidance and leadership to the team.
Curwin Bosch was not considered for selection due to carrying a slight niggle.
A new face amongst the team is that of Luke Stringer, the Western Province flank, who joins us for the Currie Cup campaign.
Warm-up matches of this nature promise to be both exciting and competitive. The visitors will be keen for a good run in their pre-season, while the Cell C Sharks players on the fringes will relish the opportunity to prove themselves at this level.
The established players won’t want to give up their positions without a fight either and will give it a good go. The coaching staff will be looking carefully at the players with an eye on the Currie Cup which kicks off for the Cell C Sharks on Saturday 25 August when we host the Blue Bulls.
Replacements1. Juan Schoeman
16. Kerron van Vuuren
2. Chiliboy Ralepelle (c)
17. Akker van der Merwe
3. John-Hubert Meyer
18. Mzamo Majola
4. Gideon Koegelenberg
19. Khuta Mchunu
5. Hyron Andrews
20. Andrew Evans
6. Wian Vosloo
21. Tera Mtembu
7. Tyler Paul
22. Luke Stringer
8. Daniel du Preez
23. Cameron Wright
9. Louis Schreuder
24. Grant Williams10. Robert du Preez
25. Danrich Visagie11. Aphelele Fassi
26. Leolin Zas12. Marius Louw
13. Jeremy Ward
14. Kobus van Wyk
15. Courtney Winnaar