The Cell C Sharks host the Dragons from Wales on Friday night at Hollywoodbets Kings Park in a crucial Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash.
Cell C Sharks head coach Sean Everitt has the luxury of freshening up the pack after the sterling work they have done, giving some of his hard-working forwards a respite, although their valued performances of late mean they have been included in the matchday 23, providing serious options off the bench.
In all there are five changes to last week’s side, four of those in the pack.
In the second row, Le Roux Roets gets a start in Reniel Hugo’s place while there is an all-new back row comprising James Venter for Siya Kolisi, Jeandre Labuschagne for Henco Venter and Phepsi Buthelezi coming in for Sikhumbuzo Notshe.
Jaden Hendrikse replacing Grant Williams is the only change to a back line retained almost intact to provide stability and build continuity.
With Siya Kolisi playing off the bench, tighthead prop Thomas du Toit is handed the captaincy.
Casting his eye over their opponents this week , Everitt believes that the Dragons will be stronger than their recent form of late.
“All the Europeans teams will be stronger than what we’ve faced over the last couple of weeks because they’re getting their players back from Six Nations duty.
“So no team in this competition can be underestimated. If you’re off your game on the day, you can get a big hiding.”
But for the Cell C Sharks, this is about putting in a big performance.
“For us, it’s about being more accurate in our execution and hoping to improve on Friday night.”
Cell C Sharks
1. Ox Nche
2. Bongi Mbonambi
3. Thomas du Toit (c)
4. Le Roux Roets
5. Gerbrandt Grobler
6. James Venter
7. Jeandre Labushagne
8. Phepsi Buthelezi
9. Jaden Hendrikse
10. Curwin Bosch
11. Makazole Mapimpi
12. Jeremy Ward
13. Ben Tapuai
14. Werner Kok
15. Anthony Volmink
Replacements
16. Kerron van Vuuren
17. Ntuthuko Mchunu
18. Khutha Mchunu
19. Reniel Hugo
20. Sikhumbuzo Notshe
21. Siya Kolisi
22. Grant Williams
23. Boeta Chamberlain