Once more the Cell C Sharks are thrust into a huge Currie Cup clash when they host log leaders Toyota Free State at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Friday evening.
It’s been a case of one massive challenge after the other, but each one faced bravely – and successfully – in the last month, to the point where they are now chasing their fifth straight victory in the competition.
“The win over the Pumas last week keeps momentum and the team vibe up and that psychological stuff matters, it is important,” explains Currie Cup head coach Joey Mongalo.
“It’s also good for the boys to have been in a place where they’ve won a game that looked unlikely, and somewhere in the backend of the season, they may find themselves in a similar position. So the fact that they’ve been there before is a massive thing for the group.”
Looking forward to the Free State game, Mongalo accedes that a good team doesn’t lead the log for no reason, “There’s a reason they lead and that’s because they’re a very good team, one of the better teams who are likely to score from their maul when they get into your 22.
“They’re a team that focuses on position-based attack, so our defence will have to stand up, but we have a proud defensive record, especially at home, so we want to ensure that we match fire with fire. That we match on defence what they bring on attack with the right resources, planning, heart, desire and character from people who really care about this brand and are passionate about it.
“This Currie Cup is unrelenting, so it’s more of the same for us, every week you have the opportunity to keep momentum, or you can lose it and we can’t afford to lose any momentum.”
With reference to team selection, the coach points out that continuity is key. “We’re trying to stick as much as possible with the same group to give those guys an opportunity to improve on their performances last weekend. Any other changes are due to injury, but apart from that, we’re trying to build consistency and momentum for the rest of the competition.”
Cell C Sharks: 1. Khwezi Mona, 2. Fez Mbatha, 3. Carlu Sadie, 4. Jeandre Labuschagne, 5. Reniel Hugo (c), 6. Dylan Richardson, 7. James Venter, 8. Henco Venter, 9. Tiaan Fourie, 10. Lionel Cronje, 11. Aphelele Fassi, 12. Alwayno Visagie, 13. Murray Koster, 14. Yaw Penxe, 15. Nevaldo Fleurs. Replacements: 16. Dian Bleuler, 17. Dameon Venter, 18. Hanro Jacobs, 19. Marco de Witt, 20. Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21. Celimpilo Gumede, 22. Bradley Davids. 23. Marnus Potgieter.