Locals add teeth to the Sharks
Jonker and Gumede pack down for Sharks in Lions encounter at Ellis Park
RICHARDS Bay young gun Rynhard Jonker will run out in the number 12 jumper for the Cell C Sharks, in their Rainbow Cup preparation match-up against the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday.
The 20-year-old backline player will make his debut for the senior side alongside Cell C Sharks captain and World Cup winner Lukhanyo Am.
ALSO READ: Amateur rugby gets green light from SARU
Jonker, who is currently contracted by the Sharks Rugby Union, has been plying his trade for the U21 side this season.
The Sharks have named a balanced side, mixed with youth and experience, that boasts heaps of talent.
Kick-off is scheduled for 4.15pm and the Sharks will look to bounce back from their narrow 39-38 loss to the Cheetahs.
‘We are certainly proud of Rynhard who deserves this opportunity after working so hard. He must just go out there and enjoy the moment and grow from the experience,’ said dad and international rugby referee Marius Jonker.
Mtubatuba’s Celimpiulo Gumede will pack down next to the scrum in the number seven jersey and hope to use this starting opportunity to cement his spot in the Rainbow Cup squad, as the Sharks have great depth in the loose forward set-up.
Esikhawini’s Fezokuhle Mbatha and Mtubatuba’s Phendulani Buthelezi have also started previous preparation games for the Sharks, but are not included in Saturday’s match-day 23.
Cell C Sharks team for Lions clash Starting line-up – 1 Mzamo Majola, 2 Dan Jooste, 3 John-Hurbert Meyer, 4 Le Roux Roets, 5 Reniel Hugo, 6 Henco Venter, 7 Celimpilo Gumede, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 9 Sanele Nohamba, 10 Boeta Chamberlain, 11 Yaw Penxe, 12 Rynhard Jonker, 13 Lukhanyo Am (captain), 14 Werner Kok and 15 Aphelele Fassi.
Reserves – 16 Dylan Richardson, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Emile van Heerden, 20 Thembelani Bholi, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Curwin Bosch and 23 Marius Louw.
HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 060 784 2695
Instagram – zululand_observer
