The Cell C Sharks last game for 2022 is against the Vodacom Bulls at Hollywoodbets Kings Park.
The Sharks team will go into the game with some confidence as they won their last four games across the URC and the Heineken Champions Cup, but that will count for little when they face a strong and well coached Bulls side.
Neil Powell has rested a number of players for the home game against the Lions – Eben Etzebeth, Bongi Mbonambi, Ntuthuko Mchunu and Francois Venter. Siya Kolisi and Ben Tapuai will feature from the bench.
(more…)The Sharks will welcome back Lukhanyo Am for their away game against Bordeaux. Neil Powell has selected mostly the same starting team with Ntuthuko Mchunu in for Ox Nche and Thomas du Toit replacing Carlu Sadie (who drops out completely). Dian Bleuer and Hanro Jacobs will get another opportunity from the bench.
The Sharks need to improve on the good work from their last game, and focus on retaining the ball for longer as well as keeping their shape on attack after a number of phases. With the same back line selected we should expect to see an improvement in first phase moves as well.
(more…)Big guns Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi have been selected to face Harlequins in the Sharks’ first Champions Cup game. Vincent Tshituka moves back to blindside flank while Werner Kok is back on the wing.
The Sharks really need to focus on keeping the ball in contact (no point making meters with the ball just to cough it up at the final tackle / ruck) and finding some continuity on attack (players need to work a lot harder to get into positions after 2nd / 3rd phases).
The bookies have the Sharks as slight favourites. With the best rugby player in the world (regardless of what WR says) and the inspirational Bok captain on the field the Sharks may just have a decent chance of winning this one.
1. Ox Nche
2. Bongi Mbonambi
3. Carlu Sadie
4. Eben Etzebeth
5. Gerbrandt Grobler
6. Siya Kolisi (c)
7. Vincent Tshituka
8. Phepsi Buthelezi
9. Jaden Hendrikse
10. Curwin Bosch
11. Makazole Mapimpi
12. Ben Tapuai
13. Francois Venter
14. Werner Kok
15. Boeta Chamberlain
Replacements
16. Dan Jooste
17. Ntuthuko Mchunu
18. Khutha Mchunu
19. Hyron Andrews
20. Sikhumbuzo Notshe
21. Grant Williams
22. Lionel Cronje
23. Rohan Janse van Rensburg
Neil Powell has drafted a number of Boks to assist the struggling Sharks as well as starting Curwin Bosch at 10 after months of layoff. Vincent Tshituka at 4 lock and Sikhumbuzo Noshe at 6 flank are interesting selections. Ben Tapuai will add some experience and direction to the back line.
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