The Cell C Sharks welcome DHL Western Province to Hollywoodbets Kings Park tonight for what is shaping up to be a classic Carling Currie Cup encounter between the coastal foes.
Head coach Etienne Fynn has named a formidable team but warns that Province will bring their own set of challenges for his side.
“They are well balanced and have experienced players who have been around, I wouldn’t call them an inexperienced side,” Fynn said in the lead-up to tonight’s game.
Although the match is being played late – at 8pm – the sweltering Durban February heat is not letting up with realfeel temperatures hovering around the 40C mark during the course of the day.
Not only will the temperatures be high, but the heat of battle too.
“We can expect a typical South African derby with both teams really getting stuck into each other. If you look at Currie Cup rugby, that’s the nature of how games are played and the team that wins the slugfest comes out on top.
“I expect Province to come out here and really test us, but if we perform the way we are capable of, we should put in a really competent performance.
“It is our home ground and it goes without saying we have to provide a positive result.“
Bolstered by the return of Springbok Sikhumbuzo Notshe this is a Cell C Sharks side with heaps of potential.
“It’s fantastic to see Notshe back, especially having observed how hard he’s worked,” said Fynn. “He’s been incredibly diligent, the epitome of professionalism so I’m really pleased for him.
“He’s a positive influence around the group and everyone here at The Sharks is excited about what he’s going to bring in this game and we’ll see some of that dynamic athleticism he brings to a team.
“I know there will be a lot of emotions running through him when he runs out onto the park.”
Someone else who is also making a return is flyhalf Curwin Bosch who Fynn expects a big contribution from after missing recent action with some small niggles.
“Curwin is a match-winner,” said the coach.
“When he is on song, he’s one of the better 10s in the country who’s right up there as a goal-kicker and game-manager. He’s both mentally and physically good and he’s also excited about showing his wares and performing to his best in this game.”