THE Cell C Sharks round off their Australiasian tour with a clash against The Reds in Brisbane tomorrow morning. Captain Lukhanyo Am makes a return to the side after an enforced break in last week’s impressive win over the Rebels.
The Durban outfit has been impressive with 123 points being scored in 4 games so far, with 15 tries along the way. Mind you, Lukhanyo Am’s men have only played one home game so far.
Veteran, Lwazi Mvovo, makes a return into the starting line-up replacing high flying winger, Makazole Mapimpi who is being rested alongside flankers, James Venter and Tyler Paul.
It comes as no surprise that the Sharks are favourites for this encounter, taking on a Reds team that’s only managed 1 win out 4.
The Sharks would be naive to underestimate their opponents who are smarting from their 64-5 win over the Sunwolves. The Sharks should get over the line with their free-flowing brand of rugby that’s seen them be one of the in form sides of the tournament.
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It’s also that time for the South African Rugby Legends Association (SARLA) to head to Ballito for the annual Natal Legends Day, hosted by North Coast Club, the Ballito Dolphins. It’s all happening on Saturday, 29 February at the Maidstone Cricket Oval (now Rugby Club), from 1pm.
This year’s Legends Day promises to be a feast of fun for the whole family. VIP ticket holders will join Rugby World Cup winners, Os du Randt (World Rugby Hall of Fame) and former Free State Cheetah’s coach, Naka Drotske, along with other Rugby Legends for a sit-down lunch and Q&A, followed by rugby action.
On this week’s panel, we only have space for one opinion and it belongs to DHS rugby coach and Westville Old Boys’ player, Matthew Everitt, who also happens to be the son of Cell C Sharks coach, Sean Everitt.
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Matt shared his thoughts about the Shark’s next encounter: Saturday’s encounter against the Reds will be a tough challenge for The Sharks, mentally and physically.
It’s the side’s last game on tour so the Durbanites need to make sure they don’t have their heads on the plane as this a important fixture for them to get some momentum leading into their home games. It’s going to be an epic battle upfront with the Reds’ tight 5 being very impressive in their opening games so far.
Their scrums and lineouts have been solid and will look to put The Sharks under a lot pressure at set piece time. Along with their powerful pack they’ve got some exciting backs out wide.
The additions of James O’Connor and Henry Speight has made a world of a difference to the Queensland outfit and if they can look to put both aspects of their game together this could turn out to be an epic encounter.
The Sharks will look to continue to play their high speed and expansive game and look to put their explosive outside backs into space.
I think what’s impressed me the most is their ability to transition from defence into attack and capitalise on the opposition’s errors coming from their intense defensive structure. Their ability to be patient with the ball and put it through the phases while maintaining their attacking shape was refreshing to watch for Sharks fans.
It’s clear to see the managements vision for their side as they look to rebuild their identity that has seemed to have gone missing in recent seasons.
The “Banana Boys” will look to build on this in their attempt to go 3 in for 4 on tour. I believe if the boys in black can maintain the Reds at setpiece then they should be able to pick up the “W” and return home to a packed out Kings Park.
Here’s how the men in black line up against the Reds:
Sharks – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Madosh Tambwe, 13 Lukhanyo Am (c), 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Louis Schreuder, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Henco Venter, 6 Dylan Richardson, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 1 Ox Nche.
Subs: 16 Craig Burden, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 John-Hubert Meyer, 19 Le Roux Roets, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Sanele Nohamba, 22 Marius Louw, 23 Jeremy Ward.
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