The historic rivalry between the Cell C Sharks and DHL Stormers continues this Saturday when the two teams meet in their return leg Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash at DHL Stadium in Cape Town at 14h30.
Cell C Sharks Director of Rugby Neil Powell has made a number of changes to last week’s side that played against Ulster.
The front row is completely rejigged, with Dian Bleuler coming in for Ntuthuko Mchunu and Fez Mbatha and Hanro Jacobs taking over from Dan Jooste and Carlü Sadie respectively.
In the second row, Reniel Hugo makes way for Emile van Heerden, with Henco Venter replacing Dylan Richardson and Sikhumbuzo Notshe starting at eighthman for Phepsi Buthelezi.
The captaincy reins have been handed to Curwin Bosch this week as the Cell C Sharks flyhalf continues his growth and adds to his contribution to the team.
Powell has made just two changes in the backline, welcoming back Aphelele Fassi who starts on the wing in place of Thaakir Abrahams after returning from injury, while Marnus Potgieter has been moved to the outside centre, where he will partner Rohan Janse van Rensburg.
With a five-point margin separating the Stormers from third-placed Ulster, the pressure is on them to maintain their position on the log, while the Cell C Sharks are themselves well aware of teams below them putting on a chase for a top-eight finish.
The seventh-placed Cell C Sharks also have a five-point buffer [over Connacht] and a win would propel them higher up the log
Cell C Sharks
- Dian Bleuler
- Fez Mbatha
- Hanro Jacobs
- Emile van Heerden
- Gerbrandt Grobler
- Henco Venter
- Vincent Tshituka
- Sikhumbuzo Notshe
- Grant Williams
- Curwin Bosch (c)
- Aphelele Fassi
- Rohan Janse van Rensburg
- Marnus Potgieter
- Werner Kok
- Boeta Chamberlain
Replacements
- Kerron van Vuuren
- Ntuthuko Mchunu
- Carlü Sadie
- Jeandre Labuschagne
- James Venter
- Phepsi Buthelezi
- Cameron Wright
- Yaw Penxe
