The Cell C Sharks Under 19s face their sternest test of the SA Rugby Under 19 Cup when they meet their DHL Western Province counterparts in Cape Town in round three this weekend.
The Cell C Sharks Under 19s have surged to the top of the log courtesy of back-to-back victories over the Valke (33-14) and Leopards (42-10), but meet the only other unbeaten side in the tournament and will know they have their work cut out for them.
Rugby tournaments are all about momentum, which is aided by success – obviously – but also by maintaining a core of players to build a team around, and keeping personnel changes to a minimum.
Coaches MB Lusaseni & Mike Vowles have largely stuck with last week’s side, making just four changes to last week’s side. They’ve kept the front row intact but have handed Garren Muller a start after playing off the bench last week, replacing fellow lock Connor Carson, while Matthew Fick makes way for Andrew Davies at flank.
Amongst the backline changes, Lithelihle Bester is in for Themba Sibisi at outside centre while Somanga Jho replaces Ntobeko Mhlongo on the wing.
Saturday’s clash at Hamilton’s Rugby Club kicks off at 11am.
Cell C Sharks Under 19s
1. Bradley Stanfliet
2. Ethan Bester
3. Nicholas Snyman
4. Garren Muller
5. Sphephelo Mbonambi
6. Andrew Davies
7. Thomas Dyer (c)
8. Hugo-Ben Horn
9. Dallyn Beukes
10. Stehan Heymans
11. Spha Ngcobo
12. Drico Marx
13. Lithelihle Bester
14. Somanga Jho
15. Hendrik Pienaar
Replacements
16. Faasen Laubscher
17. Siyabonga Dube
18. Connor Carson
19. Sinelifa Ncwana
20. Trenton Roux
21. AJ Knoetze
22. Ntobeko Mhlongo
23. Minenhle Ngcamu