The Cell C Sharks u/20s’ clash with the Lions in Friday’s SA Rugby u/20 Cup clash at Emirates Airline Park at 13:00 (SA Time). This is a vital one for both sides looking to maintain their unbeaten record.
After dispatching of the Blue Bulls u/20s with a 29-7 win at Hollywoodbets Kings Park last weekend, the Cell C Sharks u/20s added another big scalp to their tally, having beaten DHL Western Province in their opening game.
Back-to-back victories over last year’s pair of finalists is no mean feat and underline just how well this Cell C Sharks junior side has prepared, and how that has translated into success on the field under coach JP Pietersen.
Cleanly his message of finding joy in your chosen field is resonating with his young charges who are playing an exciting, winning brand of rugby.
This week won’t get any easier against the other undefeated team in the tournament.
The Lions u/20s have defeated Western Province u/20s, the Leopards u/20s and Valke u/20s in their three games to date and with 14 log points, sit on top of the log, with the Cell C Sharks u/20s in third place, having won both their games so far. The Bulls, who they defeated last weekend, are in second place, but have played one extra game and have a bye this weekend.
Cell C Sharks u/20s' head coach Pietersen has kept faith in the players who performed so well against the Bulls and has stuck with the belief that ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’, keeping the same matchday 23 as last week without any changes.
Cell C Sharks u/20: 15. PJ Venter, 14. Themba Sibisi, 13. Ryan Manuel, 12. Ethan Hooker (c), 11. Banie Britz, 10. Jean Smith, 9. Michael Koch, 8. Jannes Potgieter, 7. Meno Barnard, 6. Khuma Nkutha, 5. Luca Ribbens, 4. Coetzee Le Roux, 3. Dian Heunis, 2. Bryce Calvert, 1. Phathu Ganyane. Replacements: 16. Marnus Winter, 17. Dylan Willis, 18. Ulrich Walker, 19. Thomas Dyer, 20. Alethwa Buthelezi, 21. Christian Els, 22. Stehan Heymans, 23. Jurenzo Julius.
