The Cell C Sharks will host the Vodacom Bulls today in Durban @ 19h00 with very important log points up for grabs. Fans can look forward to a fast-paced action-packed and brutal contest between the two top teams in South Africa, with the winner once again determined up front.
The Vodacom Bulls will look to continue their dominance against the Cell C Sharks after a brilliant 44-10 win in the 2021 Currie Cup final at Loftus Versveld. A lot has changed since the Currie Cup final with the Vodacom Bulls losing the services of Duane Vermeulen, Ivan van Zyl and Trevor Nyakane amongst others, however, "newcomer" Bismarck du Plessis will be a force to reckon with.
The Cell C Sharks on the other hand have loaded their team with several Springboks. Siya Kolisisi and Bongi Mbonambi joined the Cell C Sharks after the final, however, the absence of Aphelele Fassi and Ox Nche could prove to be vital.
Cell C Sharks head coach Sean Everitt didn’t hold back and decided to name almost his full complement of Springboks for their clash against the Vodacom Bulls in Durban on Friday evening.
No fewer than six players who accompanied the Boks on their recent tour of the United Kingdom were included in the KwaZulu-Natalians’ starting team, underlining the seriousness with which they are approaching this encounter.
Bongi Mbonambi will make his debut for the Cell C Sharks, starting at hooker, while Thomas du Toit, Siya Kolisi, Lukhanyo Am, Sbu Nkosi and Makazole Mapimpi will all run out for the hosts.
“It’s great to have the Boks back with us,” Everitt admitted. “They’ve come back into the squad full of energy and enthusiasm and have acted like true professionals, returning to the Cell C Sharks showing great discipline and preparation from the Springboks, something they’ve passed on to the younger players.”
“While we’re up against a tough side in the Vodacom Bulls, this is a Cell C Sharks side that grew over the first four rounds of the URC and we’re looking forward to taking the Bulls on in front of our fans, even if it’s a limited number,” said Everitt.
“It’s going to be great to have spectators cheering the Cell C Sharks on and I’m sure the players will deliver a performance fitting the gratitude they have for their support.”
Jake White, the Vodacom Bulls’ Director of Rugby, is under no illusions as to the mammoth task that awaits his team in Durban, where they will face a host of internationals featuring Kurt-Lee Arendse at fullback in a rejigged backline.
Tighthead prop, Robert Hunt, will earn his first starting berth for the Vodacom Bulls. Hunt, who made his debut and played off the bench on the Vodacom Bulls’ four-week tour of Europe in the opening rounds of the Vodacom URC, will buckle down alongside Gerhard Steenekamp at loosehead prop, with the experienced Bismarck du Plessis starting at hooker.
A few positional switches in the backline will make for an exciting battle against what could potentially be an almost all-Springbok backline for the home side.
Kurt-Lee Arendse will start in the No15 jersey while David Kriel will get an opportunity at outside centre, alongside Cornal Hendricks. Richard Kriel will earn his Vodacom URC debut when he lines up on the left wing.
“This is such a big week. It’s not only a local derby, but the game that we have played in the Carling Currie Cup final twice now,” White said.
“It does not get much tougher than that,” said White. “The Cell C Sharks, playing at home, with all those international players will be massive for us. I can tell you; we are very excited that we will get to measure ourselves against what is essentially an international side now again. There’s a bit of a buzz, it’s like a test match for us, and we are looking forward to it.”
“We are looking forward to seeing where we are. We will see Marcell Coetzee getting a crack to play against Siya (Kolisi), you get Bismarck du Plessis and Grobbies (Johan Grobbelaar) playing against Bongi (Mbonambi), and that list goes on.”
Teams:
Cell C Sharks: 15. Anthony Volmink, 14. Sbu Nkosi, 13. Jeremy Ward, 12. Lukhanyo Am (c), 11. Makazole Mapimpi, 10. Boeta Chamberlain, 9. Ruan Pienaar, 8. Phepsi Buthelezi, 7. Jeandre Labuschagne, 6. Siya Kolisi, 5. Hyron Andrews, 4. Ruben van Heerden, 3. Thomas du Toit, 2. Bongi Mbonambi, 1. Ntuthuko Mchunu. Replacements: 16. Kerron van Vuuren, 17. Khwezi Mona. 18. Lourens Adriaanse, 19. Reniel Hugo, 20. Henco Venter, 21. Sanele Nohamba, 22. Tito Bonilla, 23. Werner Kok.
Vodacom Bulls: 15. Kurt-Lee Arendse, 14. Madosh Tambwe, 13. David Kriel, 12. Cornal Hendricks, 11. Richard Kriel, 10. Morne Steyn, 9. Embrose Papier, 8. Elrigh Louw, 7. Arno Botha, 6. Marcell Coetzee (c), 5. Ruan Nortje, 4. Walt Steenkamp, 3. Robert Hunt, 2. Bismarck du Plessis, 1. Gerhard Steenekamp. Replacements: 16. Johan Grbbelaar, 17. Simphiwe Matanzima, 18. Lizo Gqoboka, 19. Jaques du Plessis, 20. Sintu Manjezi, 19. Jaques du Plessis, 20. Sintu Manjezi, 21. Zak Burger, 22. Chris Smith, 23. Harold Vorster.