The battle for Currie Cup Premier Division semi-final spots reaches a key stage this weekend, and by the end of the 12th round, the playoff picture will be a lot clearer. First up on Friday is the NovaVit Griffons who host the Cell C Sharks at the Down Touch Investments Stadium in Welkom at 15h00.
The Cell C Sharks will be targeting a bonus-point win they travel to Welkom on Friday. The KwaZulu-Natalians have won their last five matches and could shoot to the top of the log if other results go their way this weekend. By contrast, the NovaVit Griffons haven’t won a game since upsetting the Vodacom Bulls in the fourth round.
Cell C Sharks' forwards coach Philip Lemmer acknowledges that his charges have been in sterling form of late with the platform laid by the forwards doing much to set up a run of five straight victories in the recent past.
“The forwards have put in a lot of hard work, one thing they pride themselves on is being obedient to the call and to the system and we know that unity is key amongst the forwards in particular.
“If eight guys aren’t doing the same thing at the same time, that’s when you get exposed,” Lemmer explains. “The senior guys have led the way and taken ownership and they make sure that the work we do during the week shows on the weekend. They know that it is their job and responsibility to give the backs the best possible ball.
“So far that’s going well.”
He adds that the focus is on: “Finishing the race to the end and that this week’s game is one we have to do well in. The Griffons, in Welkom, are tough. They beat the Bulls there, Province only just won there, so we acknowledge that it is a difficult game for us.
“It’s important that we do the job well this weekend.”
With the desire to keep the same side intact but also to bolster the depth, head coach Joey Mongalo and had the good fortune of bringing Rohan Janse van Rensburg back into action where he slots in at his familiar inside centre position, while VURC regulars Ntuthuko Mchunu, Vincent Tshituka and Sikhumbuzo Notshe add major firepower off the bench.
Teams:
NovaVit Griffons: 15 Duan Pretorius, 14 Domenic Smit, 13 Carel-Jan Coetzee, 12 Jandre de Beer, 11 Randy Fielies, 10 Robbie Petzer, 9 Jaywinn Juries, 8 Sokuphumla Xakalashe, 7 Thomas Ongera, 6 Mitchell Carstens, 5 Michael Benadie, 4 Rian Olivier, 3 Doctor Booysen, 2 Hendrik van Schoor, 1 Xolani Jacobs. Replacements – from: 16 Dandre Delport, 17 Stephan de Jager, 18 Buhle Nojekwa, 19 Wikus Nieuwenhuis, 20 Curtly Thomas, 21 Thato Mavundla, 22 Keanu Vers, 23 Duren Hoffman, 24 Jared Kruger, 25 Jaco Willemse, 26 Richman Gora, 27 Jamba Ulengo, 28 Ethan Williams, 29 Marquit September, 30 Bennie Human.
Cell C Sharks: 15 Nevaldo Fleurs, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Murray Koster, 12 Rohan Janse van Rensburg, 11 Marnus Potgieter, 10 Lionel Cronje, 9 Bradley Davids, 8 Celimpilo Gumede, 7 James Venter, 6 Dylan Richardson, 5 Reniel Hugo (c), 4 Ockie Barnard, 3 Khutha Mchunu, 2 Dameon Venter, 1 Dian Bleuler. Replacements: 16 Fezokuhle Mbatha, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Marco de Witt, 20 Vincent Tshituka, 21 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 22 Tiaan Fourie, 23 Aphelele Fassi.