Henco Venter will lead a relatively unchanged Cell C Sharks side in their Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked clash with the Toyota Cheetahs at Jonsson KINGS PARK on Friday evening.
With regular captain Lukhanyo Am being unavailable for selection due to a hand injury that will see him out for approximately four weeks, Venter will take over the captaincy armband for this match against his former team, as the Cell C Sharks Head Coach Sean Everitt looks to keep intact a winning group.
The good news is that Sikhumbuzo Notshe has been cleared fit after sustaining a hamstring strain against the Vodacom Bulls and after missing out the Cell C Sharks’ victory over the Phakisa Pumas last weekend has been named on a bench laden with forwards.
Everitt has selected a 6-2 split amongst the replacements in anticipation of a highly contested physical forward battle.
With Am out, Jeremy Ward gets a start in the Rugby World Cup winning outside centre’s place with Yaw Penxe taking over from Sbu Nkosi (due to Sbu picking up a slight niggle) in the only two changes to last week’s victorious side. Werner Kok comes into the side where he has been named on the bench.
Cell C Sharks
- Ox Nche
- Dan Jooste
- John-Hubert Meyer
- JJ van der Mescht
- Hyron Andrews
- Dylan Richardson
- Henco Venter (c)
- Phepsi Buthelezi
- Sanele Nohamba
- Curwin Bosch
- Madosh Tambwe
- Marius Louw
- Jeremy Ward
- Yaw Penxe
- Manie Libbok
Replacements
16. Kerron van Vuuren
17. Mzamo Majola
18. Michael Kumbirai
19. Ruben van Heerden
20. Thembelani Bholi
21. Sikhumbuzo Notshe
22. Grant Williams
23. Werner Kok