The Sharks hungry for victory against the Free State
“It’s great to be back home and we are looking forward to playing in-front of our home crowd"- Head coach, Robert du Preez
THE Free State arrive in Durban to take on the Cell C Sharks in a top of the table clash at Growthpoint KINGS PARK on Saturday afternoon in the first match of the second round of the Currie Cup competition.
Free State are currently top of the log, just one point clear of the Cell C Sharks in second spot, both sides having won five of their six first round matches, and incidentally, Free State having inflicted our only defeat, in week one.
Cell C Sharks head coach, Robert du Preez, has made a couple of changes to the side that defeated Western Province last week, explaining that, “We have a couple of niggles, Kobus van Wyk and Juan Schoeman are not available this week and Ross Geldenhuys is being rested after a long season of rugby, but that gives the new boys coming in an opportunity.”
But, unlike the Cell C Sharks who are close to full strength (Curwin Bosch was released from the Springbok camp, but missed two training sessions and therefore wasn’t considered for selection this week), Free State have sent their first choice team into their first match of the Pro 14 competition; this is a vastly different side from the one we met in week one.
The Cell C Sharks side too is completely different from that match, with the first round match played against the backdrop of the Super Rugby quarter-final and our players being involved in that match.
The shoe now appears to be on the other foot.
However, du Preez admits that it’s vital that his players don’t become overly confident about this.
“The most important thing for us is not to disrespect Free State, whatever team they put on the park,” he says.
“But we want to concentrate on what we have to do; one thing in particular is to sort out our attack in the opposition 22: we need to be more patient and we’ve worked hard on that this week. We created a lot of opportunities against Province last week that we didn’t convert.”
Having beaten the other five sides in the Currie Cup competition, the only team remaining to be added to the list is the Free State Cheetahs which the coach accepts as a challenge, but one we’re looking forward to, particularly with top of the log status up for grabs.
“This game is very important – every game is, but this one probably more so – we obviously want to win, that will take us top of the log, but what’s crucial for us is to concentrate on our game.”
Captain Ruan Botha speaking about the momentum after five wins from five starts, admits that the winning streak the team find themselves enjoying is a real confidence boost.
“Winning a few games in a row lifts us, the guys are starting to believe that a home semi and possible home final are both in sight.
“But we are still taking it one game at a time and this week it’s the Cheetahs who we don’t want to underestimate.
“It’s important that we respect the team that comes here while we focus on playing our game.”
CURRIE CUP
Cell C Sharks vs. Free State
| Date | : Saturday, 2nd September 2017 |
| Time | : 16h15 |
| Venue | : Growthpoint KINGS PARK, Durban |
| Referee | : Marius van der Westhuizen |
| Assistant Referees | : Ben Crouse, Archie Sehlako |
| Television Match Official | : Marius Jonker |
Inny Radebe
Tythan Adams*
Jeremy Ward
Lukhanyo Am
S’busiso Nkosi
Benhard Janse van Rensburg
Louis Schreuder
Tera Mtembu
Jacques Vermeulen
Keegan Daniel
Ruan Botha (c)
Tyler Paul
John-Hubert Meyer
Akker van der Merwe
Thomas du ToitReplacements
Franco Marais
Mzamo Majola
Jean Droste
Wian Vosloo
Michael Claassens
Marius Louw
Garth April
*Denotes that the player will be making his Currie Cup debut.
**In the lead-up to National Sunflower Day, the Cell C Sharks will be showing their support for the Sunflower Fund and the #iamhope campaign by wearing yellow armbands for the match against Free State.
Players that were not considered for selection due to injury: Juan Schoeman; Kobus van Wyk; Odwa Ndungane and Ross Geldenhuys.
Player Profile
Full Name Tythan Franco Adams
Date of Birth 31 August 1990
Age 27
Place of Birth Atlantis/Vredenburg
School Attended Paul Roos Gymnasium
Height 1.75m
Weight 83kg
Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5409.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Highway Mail WhatsApp number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts.
