A British & Irish Lions tour only comes around every 12 years and fortunate are the players representing their provincial franchises who get to take part in this piece of history not reserved for many rugby players.
On Wednesday evening, the Cell C Sharks will be taking on a powerful Lions’ side that despatched their local namesakes the Sigma Lions 56-14 in an eight try to two display on Saturday. This is a warning signal if ever there needed to be one. Not that the Cell C Sharks players need any further motivation that their excitement will provide at getting this fantastic opportunity.
“We have only played two games in the Carling Currie Cup, but our group has been together for some time and they’re looking forward to the challenge,” admitted head coach Sean Everitt of this clash against an international northern hemisphere combination.
“The chief goal is that we go into this game well-prepared and for the players to understand what’s coming their way. Not many of our players in the [Currie Cup] squad have international experience and that includes Super Rugby, so yes, this is a big challenge.
“We have to get the fundementals right otherwise we will be punished on the day.”
Everitt has named a relatively unchanged line-up, welcoming back his captain Phepsi Buthelezi, who returns to the side after missing last week’s game with a mild concussion.
Cell C Sharks
1. Khwezi Mona
2. Fez Mbatha
3. Khutha Mchunu
4. Ruben van Heerden
5. Hyron Andrews
6. James Venter
7. Thembelani Bholi
8. Phepsi Buthelezi (c)
9. Jaden Hendrikse
10. Curwin Bosch
11. Thaakir Abrahams
12. Marius Louw
13. Jeremy Ward
14. Werner Kok
15. Manie Libbok
Replacements
16. Kerron van Vuuren
17. Ntuthuko Mchunu
18. Wiehahn Herbst
19. JJ van der Mescht
20. Reniel Hugo
21. Dylan Richardson
22. Grant Williams
23. Anthony Volmink