The Cell C Sharks, who are currently in seventh place on the standings, could leap into the top four if they register a commanding victory against Ulster in Durban at 14:00 (SA Time) on Saturday in their postponed round six Vodacom United Rugby Championship fixtures.
The Cell C Sharks will have their sights set on securing their fifth home victory when they host Ulster at Hollywoodbets Kings Park and the fact that both sides have won eight of their 13 matches so far will serve as encouragement for the hosts, especially with four log positions separating the teams.
The KwaZulu-Natalians, however, will be mindful of the fact that Ulster have been more effective on attack and defence this season, and that it will take a well-rounded performance to defeat them, but with everything to play for, it is a challenge they are expected to relish.
While the Cell C Sharks will be hunting their second win in a row, Ulster will be seeking their third win on the trot against SA opposition this season, as both sides look to build winning momentum as the pool stages reach boiling point.
Prediction: Cell C Sharks by 5.
Cell C Sharks Director of Rugby Neil Powell has made just three changes to his starting team from the side that beat the Emirates Lions last week, as well as a couple of tweaks to the bench.
Flankers Dylan Richardson and Vincent Tshituka have been promoted from the bench to start on the side of the scrum, while Boeta Chamberlain has recovered from the injury he sustained a month ago and takes over from the injured Aphelele Fassi at fullback.
Springbok Duane Vermeulen will lead the Ulster men in the Number Eight jersey in a starting line-up that sees him joined in the back row by two physical and versatile players in Nick Timoney and Jordi Murphy.
The side, which can expect to face challenging temperatures, sees Alan O’Connor paired in the second row with Academy player, Harry Sheridan, who scored his first try for Ulster last weekend against Glasgow in Scotstoun Stadium.
In a change to the front row, Rory Sutherland comes in at loosehead prop, while Jeff Toomaga-Allen, who scored a try the last time out against South African opposition in the URC, retains his place at tighthead, with John Andrew, set to add to his tally of over 100 caps for the province at hooker.
Scrum-half John Cooney, who racked up 10 points when Ulster beat the Sharks last season, will be looking to repeat this performance, with Jake Flannery coming in at fly-half. Flannery was responsible for a try and four conversions in a win over the Airlink Pumas when he was last in South Africa with Emerging Ireland.
Known for his speed, Aaron Sexton, forms the back three alongside Ulster stalwart, Craig Gilroy, and Mike Lowry who scored a try last time out against Sharks, and was named Player of the Match in the province’s memorable win at Ellis Park in Johannesburg back in October.
Stewart Moore graduated from the Emerging Ireland tour and completes the starting line-up in a centre partnership with Luke Marshall.
Forward cover comes from Tom Stewart, Andy Warwick, Gareth Milasinovich, Cormac Izuchukwu and Dave McCann. On the bench for the backline are Dave Shanahan, Ian Madigan and Ethan McIlroy.
Teams:
Cell C Sharks: 15. Boeta Chamberlain, 14. Werner Kok, 13. Francois Venter, 12. Rohan Janse van Rensburg, 11. Thaakir Abrahams, 10. Curwin Bosch, 9. Grant Williams, 8. Phepsi Buthelezi (c), 7. Vincent Tshituka, 6. Dylan Richardson, 5. Gerbrandt Grobler, 4. Reniel Hugo, 3. Carlu Sadie, 2. Dan Jooste, 1. Ntuthuko Mchunu. Replacements: 16. Fez Mbatha, 17. Dian Bleuler, 18. Hanro Jacobs, 19. Emile van Heerden, 20. Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21. Cameron Wright, 22. Lionel Cronje, 23. Yaw Penxe.
Ulster: 15. Mike Lowry, 14. Craig Gilroy, 13. Luke Marshall, 12. Stewart Moore, 11. Aaron Sexton, 10. Jake Flannery, 9. John Cooney, 8. Duane Vermeulen (c), 7. Nick Timoney, 6. Jordi Murphy, 5. Harry Sheridan, 4. Alan O’Connor, 3. Jeff Toomaga-Allen, 2. John Andrew, 1. Rory Sutherland. Replacements: 16. Tom Stewart, 17. Andy Warwick, 18. Gareth Milasinovich, 19. Cormac Izuchukwu, 20. Dave McCann, 21. Dave Shanahan, 22. Ian Madigan, 23. Ethan McIlroy.
