After a number of matches against foreign opposition in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, Cell C Sharks and Emirates Lions turn to local action against each other this upcoming Saturday.
In their last matches last week, both teams were successful as Sharks got the better of Dragons with 51-3 while Lions beat Edinburgh 15-9.
READ ALSO: DHL Stormers make four changes for Vodacom Bulls’ visit
Reniel Hugo returns to the starting line-up for Sharks with Le Roux Roets shifting to the bench. Springbok captain Siya Kolisi also gets a start for James Venter who led the Currie Cup side to victory over Griquas on Wednesday evening.
The final change to the pack sees Henco Venter coming in for Jeandre Labushagne who will feature off the bench later in the game.
With eight wins and 41 points from their 14 matches to date, the Cell C Sharks are firmly entrenched in the top 8 on the log, 11 ahead of the Lions who currently occupy the 12th spot.
“Last week’s win over the Dragons was a really good platform for us to build on and now it’s about us building momentum,” explained Sean Everitt, Sharks coach.
READ ALSO: Desiree Ellis’ reaction on Banyana fixture against Netherlands
The South African sides all have a game in hand over the top five sides on the log, so a win on Saturday for the Cell C Sharks will give their campaign a major boost.
“The log is really important at the moment and a win this week will be big for us because the other two local franchises are also playing each other and we’re fighting in the SA Shield competition,”.
Saturday’s match kicks off at 4.05 p.m.
Cell C Sharks:
- Ox Nche, 2. Bongi Mbonambi, 3. Thomas du Toit (c), 4. Gerbrandt Grobler, 5. Reniel Hugo, 6. Siya Kolisi (v/c), 7. Henco Venter, 8. Phepsi Buthelezi, 9. Jaden Hendrikse, 10. Curwin Bosch, 11. Makazole Mapimpi, 12. Marius Louw, 13. Ben Tapuai, 14. Werner Kok, 15. Anthony Volmink
Replacements:
- Kerron van Vuuren, 17. Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18. Khutha Mchunu, 19. Le Roux Roetsz, 20. Jeandre Labushagne ,21. Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 22. Grant Williams, 23. Boeta Chamberlain
