Dylan Richardson. Photo by Frikkie Kapp/Gallo Images
Breaking team news: Sharks change two for Currie Cup semi-final
The Sharks have named a team with two changes from the side that lost to Western Province in the final round-robin match last week.
Dylan Richardson. Photo by Frikkie Kapp/Gallo Images
In an effort to maintain continuity, Sharks coach Sean Everitt has made just two changes to his side for the Currie Cup semi-final against Griquas in Durban.
Sharks change two for Currie Cup semi-final
One of the changes is among the forwards where Dylan Richardson returning for James Venter on the side of the scrum. The other is in the back division where the physical Marius Louw takes over from young Murray Koster at inside centre.
The Sharks enjoyed a successful campaign during the pool stages of this year’s Currie Cup, Securing the home semi-final that sees them hosting the Griquas.
Last week the Sharks failed to deny Western Province a spot in the last four, going down at Kings Park, while Griquas ground out a draw that was enough to book them a trip to Durban.
When they last met, Griquas defended doggedly to frustrate the Sharks and notch a 37-27 win at Kings Park on the last day of July.
Everitt was full of praise for the team from Kimberley as he looks ahead to the big match and warns that they represent a formidable obstacle to his team’s quest for silverware.
“They’ve done exceptionally well under Scott Mathie to get into the semi-finals, they’ve been consistent through-out the competition, week-in and week-out and they’ve rolled over the big boys on a couple of occasions. They’ve beaten the Lions, Western Province as well as the Cell C Sharks so we know this is a big challenge.”
While Everitt warned that Griquas pose a massive threat, he backed the Sharks to achieve the necessary result if they perform to their ability.
“The last time they came to Durban, they had a good outing against us and won that game 37-30, so we are going to have to prepare well but if we do stick to the plan and we play according to our potential, we should be in the final.”
Currie Cup Teams
Sharks
Starting XV: 15 Curwin Bosch, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Werner Kok, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Thaakir Abrahams, 10 Lionel Cronje, 9 Sanele Nohamba; 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Henco Venter, 6 Dylan Richardson, 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Le Roux Roets, 3 Khutha Mchunu, 2 Kerron van Vuuren, Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Replacements: 16 Dan Jooste, 17 Khwezi Mona, 18 Lourens Adriaanse, 19 Reniel Hugo, 20 Thembelani Bholi, 21 Cameron Wright, 22 Jeremy Ward, 23 Anthony Volmink.
