Rainbow Cup: Sharks name unchanged starting XV

Sharks head coach Sean Everitt is delighted to be able to name an unchanged starting XV to host the Emirates Lions this weekend in the Rainbow Cup.

After getting their opening match of the Rainbow Cup SA tournament off to a winning start against the DHL Stormers in Cape Town last weekend, the Cell C Sharks will look to refine their performance further when the Lions visit Jonsson Kings Park on Saturday afternoon in the Cell C Sharks’ first home game of the competition.

The performance in the 33-30 victory was always going to show some rustiness due to the lack of match action and this week’s match offers the perfect opportunity to perform at a level they strive for.

“Our preparation is important because we’re a performance-driven side, we aren’t results-driven,” explains Cell C Sharks loose forward Sikhumbuzo Notshe. “We know that if we get our performance right, the results will follow.”

The highly mobile eighthman should revel in play on Saturday given his expectations of the way the game will unfold.

“I think both sides will look to lift the tempo and play a high-paced game. We will match them if they go that route and they’ll look to do the same. Decision-making will be important and making sure we stick to our plan.”

There are two changes on the bench with Le Roux Roets replacing JJ van Mescht and Jaden Hendrikse, having recovered from his niggle, being named as the reserve scrumhalf.

The Cell C Sharks will look to build on last week’s performance with a strong showing at home.

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Sharks team

1. Ox Nche
2. Fez Mbatha
3. Thomas du Toit
4. Ruben van Heerden
5. Reniel Hugo
6. Siya Kolisi
7. Henco Venter
8. Sikhumbuzo Notshe
9. Grant Williams
10. Curwin Bosch
11. Yaw Penxe
12. Jeremy Ward
13. Lukhanyo Am (C)
14. Sbu Nkosi
15. Aphelele Fassi

Replacements
16. Kerron van Vuuren
17. Ntuthuko Mchunu
18. Wiehahn Herbst
19. Le Roux Roets
20. Phepsi Buthelezi
21. Jaden Hendrikse
22. Manie Libbok
23. Werner Kok