The Cell C Sharks Under 19s will be looking to get their SA Rugby Under 19 Cup campaign back on track this Friday when they travel to Pretoria to take on the Vodacom Bulls.
Despite going down to Toyota Free State, they remain on target for a home semi-final and a win over the Bulls will go a long way to securing home ground status in the knock-out rounds.
“This last weekend’s match against the Cheetahs was obviously very disappointing, we felt that we were probably the better team on the day but we didn’t take our opportunities while the Cheetahs took theirs,” coach Mike Vowles explains.
“It was one of those games where whatever could go right for the Cheetahs did, and whatever could go wrong for us, did, so although the result was disappointing, we were able to take some positives out of the game, especially the number of opportunities created. But frustrated that we couldn’t convert and get across the line.”
Casting his mind away from the recent past and turning his attention to this week’s massive assignment, Vowles warns that it won’t be any easier for his young charges.
“Matches against the Bulls are always a tough prospect, especially up at Loftus, but we’ve had a good week of preparation, the guys are in a good space, especially given what we potentially could have done against the Cheetahs and there is still so much to play for in the competition.
“We have a plan in place in terms of how we want to play and we just need to be more efficient and accurate in our decision-making to take the opportunities the Bulls give us.
“It’s also another opportunity for us to secure a home semi-final, so there is plenty to play for.”
Friday’s clash at Loftus Versfeld kicks off at 2pm.
Cell C Sharks Under 19s
1. Bradley Stanfliet
2. Ethan Bester
3. Nicholas Snyman
4. Garren Muller
5. Sphephelo Mbonambi
6. Matthew Fick
7. Connor Carson
8. Hugo – Ben Horn
9. Dallyn Beukes
10. Stehan Heymans (Captain)
11. Minenhle Ngcamu
12. Drico Marx
13. Tholithemba Sibisi
14. Somanga Jho
15. Hendrik Pienaar
Replacements
16. Andrew Davis
17. Faasen Laubscher
18. Siyabonga Dube
19. Trent Roux
20. Darren Ruth
21. JP Beyer
22. AJ Knoetze
23. Monde Mkhize