The Cell C Sharks Under 20s will contest the semi-finals of the SA Rugby Under 20 Championship, when they travel to Johannesburg to take on the Sigma Lions Under 20s at Emirates Airline Park on Friday.
After leap-frogging the Leopards following their 29-16 victory last week, the Cell C Sharks Under 20s finished the league stage in fourth place, handing them a semi-final contest against the log leaders.
It came down to the result of the final weekend of pool action, but given the challenge of a match that assumed quarter-final proportions, head coach Mike Vowles was pleased with the character and fortitude showed by his team in accepting the challenge and overcoming it.
“We had to work hard for the win and I’m very proud of the guys for the effort they put in and the way they went about their business,” he admitted.
“There was obviously pressure on us to win in order to get into the play-offs and the guys responded really nicely. It was great to get the result and I guess even more pleasing was that there were really good moments in the game and we’re hoping to take confidence from it and put in a big performance this week.”
It’s an exciting week for the Cell C Sharks Under 20s, semi-final time and although they go into this match as under dogs, Vowles said that preparation has been good and they’ll go into the game with guns blazing.
“The Lions have really been good in the competition, but we’ve had a good week and come up with a plan that we think will bring us good reward, so we’re really excited about the opportunity and will make sure we give everything we have.
“We’re in a good place and although this a massive challenge, at the same time it’s a fantastic opportunity, the players are all really excited and we’re ready to go.”
Friday’s match kicks off at 1pm.
Cell C Sharks Under 20s
1. Henko Smuts
2. Jacques Goosen
3. Blaine Golden
4. Corne Rahl
5. Ockie Barnard (c)
6. Jaques Marais
7. Siya Ningiza
8. Renzo du Plessis
9. Bradley Davids
10. Kian Meadon
11. Siviwe Zondani
12. Brandon Wilkie
13. Ethan Fisher
14. Lloyd Koster
15. Matthew Jacobs
Replacements
16. Jordan Mcloughlin
17. Charles Gamhiwa
18. Munashe Mhere
19. Andrew Beyrooti
20. Tiaan Jonker
21. Daimon O’Connell
22. Warrick Day
23. Liqhayiya Gantsho
24. Lathi Nqebe
25. Boomer Bomela