Siya Kolisi

Springbok Captain Siya Kolisi leads a formidable Cell C Sharks side for this Saturday’s opening round Heineken Champions Cup clash with Harlequins at Hollywoodbets Kings Park.
Photos: Backpagepix

Sharks break out the big guns for Bulls visit

The Sharks see out the 2022 year with a New Year’s Eve derby against the Bulls at Hollywoodbets Kings Park.

Siya Kolisi

Springbok Captain Siya Kolisi leads a formidable Cell C Sharks side for this Saturday’s opening round Heineken Champions Cup clash with Harlequins at Hollywoodbets Kings Park.
Photos: Backpagepix

The Sharks see out the 2022 year with a New Year’s Eve derby against the Bulls at Hollywoodbets Kings Park in what should be another thrilling United Rugby Championship clash.

Both teams have enjoyed a good run of form of late, although the Bulls came up short against the Stormers in last weekend’s round of local derbies which saw them drop from second to fourth spot on the URC log.

Sharks welcome bristling Bulls

Still, that loss aside, the Bulls continue to offer a real test against every opponent they face, including the Sharks.

The Durban side is enjoying a rich vein of form, having won their last four games across the URC and the Heineken Champions Cup and will go into this game with plenty of momentum and confidence, knowing they have the team and the ability to deliver performances that produce the results.

Following last week’s emphatic 37-10 victory over the Lions, the Sharks team named by Director of Rugby Neil Powell sees the return of some of the team’s big names.

ALSO READ: Bulls braced for physical battle against the Sharks

Workload management

Managing the heavy workload of his Springboks has been a delicate balancing act, but this week they are back in action, testament to the threat posed by the visiting Bulls.

Changes from last week’s side see Ox Nche and Bongi Mbonambi back to partner Thomas du Toit in an all-Springbok front row, while Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi return to start the game, with Kolisi leading the side into battle.

Henco Venter and Sikhumbuzo Notshe complete the back row.

Sharks
DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA – DECEMBER 02: Sikhumbuzo Notshe of the Cell C Sharks during the United Rugby Championship match between Cell C Sharks and Ospreys at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on December 02, 2022 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Darren Stewart/Gallo Images)

Marnus Potgieter is in for the injured Werner Kok, this being the only change to last week’s backline as Powell looks to maintain continuity amongst the backs.

Sharks team

1. Ox Nche

2. Bongi Mbonambi

3. Thomas du Toit

4. Eben Etzebeth

5. Gerbrandt Grobler

6. Siya Kolisi (c)

7. Henco Venter

8. Sikhumbuzo Notshe

9. Grant Williams

10. Curwin Bosch

11. Makazole Mapimpi

12. Rohan Janse van Rensburg

13. Lukhanyo Am

14. Marnus Potgieter

15. Boeta Chamberlain

Replacements

16. Kerron van Vuuren

17. Dian Bleuler

18. Carlu Sadie

19. Hyron Andrews

20. Phepsi Buthelezi

21. Jaden Hendrikse

22. Lionel Cronje

23. Yaw Penxe