Russia Returns

The Cell C Sharks XV will take on the Russian national rugby side in a preseason warm-up match at Jonsson Kings Park on Friday afternoon.

As in their match against NWU Pukke last week, this is a composite team of juniors with a number of new faces and a few recognizable ones who have done the Black and White jersey proud in the past.

Russia will be smarting from their big loss to the Cell C Sharks last week and after going down 64-14, are expected to give this young side a good test of their abilities.

The front row presents plenty of experience with Juan Schoeman and Craig Burden partnering with Khutha Mchunu while promising youngster Evan Roos will have Cell C Sharks Under 19 and SA Under 20 captain Phepsi Buthelezi guiding him.

Newly signed flyhalf Jordan Chiat will have the experienced Cameron Wright as his partner in an otherwise exciting line-up.

Mike Vowles coaches the 26 man team, with the game scheduled for a 3pm kick-off on KP2.

Cell C Sharks XV

1. Juan Schoeman
2. Craig Burden
3. Khutha Mchunu
4. Lunga Ncube
5. Jordan Sesink-Clee
6. Evan Roos
7. Celimpilo Gumede
8. Phepsi Buthelezi
9. Cameron Wright
10. Jordan Chait
11. Asanda Kunene
12. Murray Koster
13. DJ Falconer
14. Mtungwa Mapantsela
15. Thaakir Abrahams

Replacements
16. Cullen van der Merwe 
17. Bandisa Ndlovu
18. Michael Kumbirai 
19. Jandre Labuschagne 
20. Andisa Ntsila
21. Kwanda Dimaza
22. Grant Williams
23. Jaden Hendrikse
24. Le Roux Malan
25. Rynhardt Jonker
26. Lwandile Menze