The Cell C Sharks Under 20s are back after a week’s break in the SA Rugby Under 20 Cup when they host their Vodacom Bulls’ counterparts in Durban on Friday at 1pm.
After defeating perennial junior achievers DHL Western Province 31-19 in round one, the Cell C Sharks Under 20s enjoyed a bye last week and return to action in round three, playing their first home game of the competition at Hollywoodbets Kings Park.
The Bulls started their campaign on a successful – if quiet – note, a 31-26 victory over the Leopards and followed that up with a convincing 45-26 win over Western Province and will offer stern opposition.
But this Cell C Sharks Under 20 team have found motivation in coach JP Pietersen’s rugby philosophy, and have been inspired by their coach’s attitude towards the game. The motivation to achieve is driving this team.
“As a squad, they all agree that they want to win the competition and it’s great that they take ownership of that aim and what they want to achieve,” Pietersen explains.
“They can take confidence into this Under 20 tournament from being in the final of the Under 19 competition last year.”
Friday’s match kicks off at 1pm on the mainfield at Hollywoodbets Kings Park.
Cell C Sharks Under 20’s
- Phathu Ganyane
- Bryce Calvert
- Dian Heunis
- Coetzee Le Roux
- Luca Ribbens
- Mandisi Nkutha
- Meno Barnard
- Jannes Potgieter
- Michael Koch
- Jean Smith
- Banie Britz
- Ethan Hooker (c)
- Ryan Manuel
- Themba Sibisi
- PJ Venter
Replacements
- Marnus Winter
- Dylan Willis
- Ulrich Walker
- Thomas Dyer
- Alethwa Buthelezi
- Christian Els
- Stehan Heymans
- Jurenzo Julius