For the Cell C Sharks’ Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash with Munster at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday evening at 18:15 (SA Time), the big focus is on a huge performance that brings the win so vital for a place in the knock-outs.
The continuity in team selection remains, with just one change to the starting line-up, Jeandre Labuschagne replacing Hyron Andrews in the second row. There is good news on the injury front.
Rohan Janse van Rensburg who left the field against Toulouse in the Heineken Champions Cup quarter-final has been passed fit and he comes onto the bench after missing last week’s game against Benetton.
The Cell C Sharks come into this clash following a 50-35 Heineken Champions Cup Round of 16 victory over the self-same Munster team three weeks ago, also at Hollywoodbets Kings Park.
But they know it won’t be the same this time around.
“I don’t think it’s going to be the same team that rocks up here, especially after the way we played them last time,” explains Cell C Sharks prop Thomas du Toit.
“They will be much better prepared, they would have had some hard, tough conversations in their camp after that game.
“So no, they won’t be that same side, they played unbelievably well against the Stormers and we will see more of that.
“So this is a different ball game, we’re not expecting 50 points – although if it comes, we’ll definitely take it – but we expect a really tough game.”
It’s going down to the wire in this final weekend of pool action with the fight for places at a premium.
“We want to end in the top seven at least and as high as we possibly can, we’re not looking at the other games and who is winning or losing, our focus on is ourselves.
“Our focus is on a win, first and foremost, and then hopefully a bonus point.”
Cell C Sharks: 15 Henry Chamberlain, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Ben Tapuai, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Siyamthanda Kolisi (c), 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Jeandre Labuschagne, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Mbongeni Mbonambi, 1 Retshegofaditswe Nché. Replacements: 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Carlü Sadie, 19 Reniel Hugo, 20 Phendulani Buthelezi, 21 Cameron Wright, 22 Rohan Janse van Rensburg, 23 Aphelele Fassi.
