Thomas du Toit will lead an experienced Cell C Sharks’ side against a dangerous Ulster team who visit Hollywoodbets Kings Park for Saturday’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship showdown.
Both Ulster and the Cell C Sharks have an enviable record in this year’s competition and currently occupy positions two and four respectively on the overall log, although the Durban side have a game in hand over their illustrious opponents.
With the Springboks enjoying limited time with their VURC franchise, the Cell C Sharks coaching team has had a delicate balancing act reintegrating these senior players back into the team.
Some of the returning Springboks played off the bench in last week’s victory over Glasgow Warriors following their return from the Castle Lager Rugby Championship campaign, and this week the coaching team has had no hesitation in starting prop Ox Nche, hooker Bongi Mbonambi, Springbok captain and flank Siya Kolisi, and wing Makazole Mapimpi for this crucial home game.
Nche comes in for Ntuthuko Mchunu while Mbonambi swaps jerseys with Kerron van Vuuren with Siya Kolisi taking over from Dylan Richardson amongst the changes in the forwards.
Makazole Mapimpi replaces Anthony Volmink in the final change to last week’s starting line-up.
Saturday is Sharksfest at Hollywoodbets Kings Park with a host of entertainment planned for the entire family. The match kicks off at 6.15pm.
Cell C Sharks
- Ox Nche
- Bongi Mbonambi
- Thomas du Toit (c)
- Eben Etzebeth
- Hyron Andrews
- Siya Kolisi
- Vincent Tshituka
- Phepsi Buthelezi
- Jaden Hendrikse
- Boeta Chamberlain
- Makazole Mapimpi
- Ben Tapuai
- Marnus Potgieter
- Werner Kok
- Aphelele Fassi
Replacements
- Kerron van Vuuren
- Ntuthuko Mchunu
- Carlu Sadie
- Reniel Hugo
- James Venter
- Sikhumbuzo Notshe
- Cameron Wright
- Anthony Volmink