The Cell C Sharks Under 20s’ clash with the Lions in Friday’s SA Rugby Under 20 Cup clash at Emirates Airline Park. This is a vital one for both sides looking to maintain their winning ways.
After despatching of the Blue Bulls U20’s with a 29-7 win at Hollywoodbets Kings Park last weekend, the Cell C Sharks Under 20s added another big scalp to their tally, having beaten DHL Western Province in their opening game.
Back-to-back victories over last year’s pair of finalists is no mean feat and underlines just how well this Cell C Sharks junior side has prepared, and how that has translated into success on the field under coach JP Pietersen.
Cleanly his message of finding joy in your chosen field is resonating with his young charges who are playing an exciting, winning brand of rugby.
This week won’t get any easier against the other undefeated team in the tournament.
The Lions have defeated Western Province, the Leopards and Valke in their three games to date and with 14 log points, sit on top of the log, with the Cell C Sharks Under 20s in third place, having won both their games so far. The Bulls, who they defeated last weekend, are in second place, but have played one extra game and have a bye this weekend.
Pietersen has kept faith in the players who performed so well against the Bulls and has stuck with the belief that ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’, keeping the same matchday 23 as last week without any changes.
Friday’s match kicks off at 1pm.
Cell C Sharks Under 20s
- Phathu Ganyane
- Bryce Calvert
- Dian Heunis
- Coetzee Le Roux
- Luca Ribbens
- Khumo 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