The KZN-Western Cape rugby rivalry continues when the Cell C Sharks welcome DHL Western Province to Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Wednesday evening for an enticing Carling Currie Cup coastal derby.
Both sides have one win apiece, although Province have played two matches while the Cell C Sharks have had just the solitary game – a 24-23 victory over Tafel Lager Griquas in their only fixture to date.
Neither team has played in two weeks, with Province suffering a 40-21 loss to the log leading Vodacom Blue Bulls in their last tournament outing and both sides will be looking to put in a clinical performance that renders valuable log points.
There is also the desire to keep a good track record at home and to make Hollywoodbets Kings Park a fortress and head coach Etienne Fynn’s side has the makings of something special in the team he has named for this clash.
Marius Louw will lead a relatively experienced Cell C Sharks side brimming with talent, bolstered by the inclusion of eighthman Sikhumbuzo Notshe who makes a welcome return to the playing field after suffering a devastating knee injury in May last year that required surgery. He puts the disappointment of missing eight months of rugby action behind him as he now starts for the Cell C Sharks.
Sadly out of action due to a long-term injury is new recruit Eduan Keyter who made his debut in the Black & White jersey against Griquas in the opening match of the competition. His place on the wing is taken by Marnus Potgieter who shone for the Cell C Sharks in their overseas leg of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.
Cell C Sharks: 1. Khwezi Mona, 2. Fez Mbatha, 3. Lourens Adriaanse, 4. Emile van Heerden, 5. Reniel Hugo, 6. James Venter (v/c), 7. Celimpilo Gumede, 8. Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 9. Cameron Wright, 10. Curwin Bosch, 11. Marnus Potgieter, 12. Marius Louw (c), 13. Werner Kok, 14. Yaw Penxe, 15. Inny Radebe. Replacements: 16. Dan Jooste, 17. Dian Bleuler, 18. Hanro Jacobs, 19. Le Roux Roets, 20. Thembelani Bholi, 21. OJ Noa, 22. Sanele Nohamba, 23. Murray Koster.