Tafel Lager Griquas will travel to Durban to play a well-rested Cell C Sharks on Wednesday at 17h45. The Cell C Sharks will play in their first 2022 Currie Cup fixture of the season as they had a bye in Round 1.
One expects that the Griquas will play for the full 80 minutes, unfortunately, they are playing against a strong and experienced Sharks team that is known for playing an exciting brand of rugby. Although the Sharks have not played last weekend they do form part of the greater Sharks squad and have had practise run's against their URC side that should have been more than adequate match practise before tomorrow's match.
Cell C Sharks' head coach Fynn has named a strong, experienced side to host Griquas, one that will be expected to come out showing energy and enthusiasm, and bringing the entertainment that Cell C Sharks fans so love.
Getting their campaign off to a winning start will be one of their aims, although producing a performance that satisfies the goals set in training will be paramount.
“It gives us access to the best URC and Currie Cup teams for as long as possible,” said Fynn on the Sharks decision to continue with one large squad for both the URC and Currie Cup competitions.
“Because we are staying together – not working as separate squads – we can field very competitive teams.”
He insisted that Griquas will be no easy game. “They are incredibly tough and bruising customers, they have their share of experienced guys and will be tough, competitive and they will be out to prove a point.”
Two players whose selection might spark some interest are Eduan Keyter and Samoan flanker Olajuwon Noa.
It will be the 32-year-old Noa's Currie Cup debut after making his first appearance for the Sharks in December in Bloemfontein against the Cheetahs. Noa has played two tests for Samoa.
Eduan Keyter needs no introduction and will look to continue the brilliant form he displayed for Griquas in the 2021 Currie Cup that saw him ending as one of the top try scorers in that competition.
Tafel Lager Griquas have named the same side that lost (20-30) to the Toyota Cheetahs in Round 1 of the 2022 Carling Currie Cup.
Griquas assistant coach Barend Pieterse made it clear that although they value their conservative strengths they will not try to close the game down but rather will use every opportunity to supply their exciting backs with quality ball.
Players who were not considered for selection due to injury include veteran flyhalf George Whitehead, Hanru Sirgel, Andrew Beerwinkel, Jay-Cee Nel, Carl Els, Nathan Nkutu and Luyolo Dapula.
Weather: 23° Celsius with a strong wind, partly cloudy with a light drizzle expected.
Prediction: Sharks by 15.
Sharks: 15. Anthony Volmink, 14. Yaw Penxe, 13. Werner Kok, 12. Marius Louw (captain), 11. Eduan Keyter, 10. Jordan Chait, 9. Cameron Wright, 8. Mpilo Gumede, . Olajuwon Noa, 6. Thembelani Bholi, 5. Emile van Heerden, 4. Gerbrandt Grobler, 3. Lourens Adriaanse, 2. Dan Jooste, 1. Khwezi Mona. Replacements: 16. Jason Alexander, 17. Dian Bleuler, 18. Wiehahn Herbst, 19. Corne Rahl, 20. Josh Moon, 21. Sanele Nohamba, 22. Murray Koster, 23. Marnus Potgieter.
Griquas: 15. Ashlon Davids, 14. Munier Hartzenberg, 13. Christopher Hollis, 12. Rynhardt Jonker, 11. Luther Obi, 10. Zander du Plessis, 9. Stefan Ungerer, 8. Ruan Steenkamp (captain), 7. Siba Qoma, 6. Niel Otto, 5. Derik Pretorius, 4. Mzwanele Zito, 3. Janu Botha, 2. Alandre van Rooyen, 1. Eddie Davids. Replacements: 16. Janco Uys, 17. Kudzwai Dube, 18. Justin Forwood, 19. Johan Retief, 20. Michael Amiras, 21. Raegan Oranje, 22. Theo Boshoff, 23. Sango Xamlashe.