The Cell C Sharks host the Sigma Lions in a vital Carling Currie Cup penultimate round clash at Hollywoodbets Kings Park this Saturday.
Head coach Etienne Fynn has made a number of changes to the side from their last outing – against the Toyota Cheetahs – in a bid to secure a top four finish with just two rounds of the pool stages remaining.
Dian Bleuler and Jason Alexander take over at loosehead prop and hooker for Khwezi Mona and Fez Mbatha (injured) respectively.
Thembelani Bholi shifts to lock in place of Emile van Heerden, with Jeandre Labuschagne taking his place on the flank, joining James Venter who reverts as captain and takes over from Dylan Richardson.
In the only changes to the backline, there is a new halfback partnership with Zee Mkhabela replacing Cameron Wright and Tito Bonilla replacing Boeta Chamberlain.
The Sigma Lions earned their first win of the tournament last week against DHL Western Province – who the Cell C Sharks play in next weekend’s final round – a 33-10 victory that no doubt will give them huge amounts of confidence after a disappointing season that hasn’t gone to plan, with 10 points in 11 matches.
The Cell C Sharks are being pursued by the Airlink Pumas on the log and an interesting weekend awaits with the Mbombela-based side traveling to Bloemfontein to take on the high-riding Cheetahs.
Cell C Sharks
1. Dian Bleuler
2. Jason Alexander*
3. Lourens Adriaanse
4. Thembelani Bholi
5. Hyron Andrews
6. James Venter (c)
7. Jeandre Labuschagne
8. Mpilo Gumede
9. Zee Mkhabela
10. Tito Bonilla
11. Anthony Volmink
12. Murray Koster
13. Jeremy Ward
14. Marnus Potgieter
15. Nevaldo Fleurs
Replacements
16. Jacques Marais*
17. Khwezi Mona
18. Keagan Glade*
19. OJ Noa
20. Nick Hatton
21. Gerado Jaars*
22. Jordan Chait
23. Sivi Zondani*
*Denotes Carling Currie Cup debut for the Cell C Sharks
