Photo Credit: Speedshots.co.za
When the Cell C Sharks host the Vodacom Bulls at Jonsson Kings Park this weekend, it will be an opportunity to present their case against the Carling Currie Cup leaders and hopefully test their position on the log.
Head coach Sean Everitt has the good fortune to welcome Rugby World Cup winner Lukhanyo Am back into the fold, the centre taking back the captaincy from Jeremy Ward for this vital clash on Saturday night.
Daniel Jooste takes over from Kerron van Vuuren in a rotational switch while Henco Venter and Sikhumbuzo Notshe are both back in the loose forward trio and Sbu Nkosi gets a welcome start to add his own brand of firepower to the exciting backline.
Everitt has also added a forward-dominated bench with a six-two split in expectation of the physicality the Bulls bring to the game.
The battle upfront will be intense and who better to comment on that than tighthead prop Thomas du Toit.
“As always with the Bulls, we feel that we really need to up our game because you have to give them credit for the great rugby they’ve been playing and it shows.
“We know we need to deliver our best performance if we want to beat these guys, that’s going to be vital.”
“It’s an absolutely massive game for us this weekend, one we’re very excited about.”
Cell C Sharks: 1. Ox Nche, 2. Daniel Jooste, 3. Thomas du Toit, 4. Ruben van Heerden, 5. Hyron Andrews, 6. Dylan Richardson, 7. Henco Venter, 8. Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 9. Sanele Nohamba, 10. Curwin Bosch, 11. Yaw Penxe, 12. Marius Louw, 13. Lukhanyo Am ( C ), 14. Sbu Nkosi, 15. Manie Libbok. Replacements: 16. Kerron van Vuuren, 17. Mzamo Majola, 18. Michael Kumbirai, 19. JJ van der Mescht, 20. Thembelani Bholi, 21. Phepsi Buthelezi, 22. Jaden Hendrikse, 23. Jeremy Ward.