A British & Irish Lions tour only comes around every 12 years and fortunate are the players representing their provincial franchises who get to take part in this piece of history not reserved for many rugby players.
On Wednesday evening, the Cell C Sharks will be taking on a powerful Lions’ side that despatched their local namesakes the Sigma Lions 56-14 in an eight try to two display on Saturday. This is a warning signal if ever there needed to be one. Not that the Cell C Sharks players need any further motivation that their excitement will provide at getting this fantastic opportunity.
“We have only played two games in the Carling Currie Cup, but our group has been together for some time and they’re looking forward to the challenge,” admitted head coach Sean Everitt of this clash against an international northern hemisphere combination.
“The chief goal is that we go into this game well-prepared and for the players to understand what’s coming their way. Not many of our players in the [Currie Cup] squad have international experience and that includes Super Rugby, so yes, this is a big challenge.
“We have to get the fundamentals right otherwise we will be punished on the day.”
Everitt has named a relatively unchanged line-up, welcoming back his captain. The only change comes at the base of the scrum where Phepsi Buthelezi returns to the side after missing last week’s game with a mild concussion.
Cell C Sharks: 1. Khwezi Mona, 2. Fez Mbatha, 3. Khutha Mchunu, 4. Ruben van Heerden, 5. Hyron Andrews, 6. James Venter, 7. Thembelani Bholi, 8. Phepsi Buthelezi (c), 9. Jaden Hendrikse, 10. Curwin Bosch, 11. Thaakir Abrahams, 12. Marius Louw, 13. Jeremy Ward, 14. Werner Kok, 15. Manie Libbok. Replacements: 16. Kerron van Vuuren, 17. Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18. Wiehahn Herbst, 19. JJ van der Mescht, 20. Reniel Hugo, 21. Dylan Richardson, 22. Grant Williams, 23. Anthony Volmink.