REPORT: Sharks assign new coach for crunch URC encounter

The Cell C Sharks have assigned a new coach to take charge of their United Rugby Championship match against Connacht.

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Joey Mongalo will take charge of the Sharks in the interim as Neil Powell remains in Durban, according to SuperSport.

Powell and the Springboks that currently play for the Sharks are staying and training at Hollywood Kings Park as they prepare for the Heineken Cup clash with Bordeaux Begles next weekend.

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MONGALO STEPS UP FOR THE SHARKS

Stepping up is certainly the theme of the day if you’re a Sharks supporter.

Mongalo takes the reigns as head coach for the time being and what a time it is to take charge.

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He will be tasked with inspiring a young and inexperienced side to victory over a gritty Connacht side in Ireland. Furthermore, Powell has given Mongalo the full packing ahead of this encounter.

“What I do know is that he will definitely motivate the players and I have been very impressed with the energy that Joey brings to the coaching role,” Powell stated.

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However, Mongalo will have todo so without his top stars Bok stars such as Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi, Thomas du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi, Jaden Hendrikse, Makazole Mapimpi and Luckanyo AM.

So, only three players that started in the Sharks 47-20 win on New Years Eve are retained. Henco Venter, Rohan Janse van Rensburg and wing Marnus Potgieter all start the match against Connacht.

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Mongalo previously worked under Jake White at the Bulls and as Lions defense coach.

Therefore, he has experience under his belt having worked under one of the most experienced coaches in SA Rugby and knowing that the Powell firmly backs him speaks volumes for this man. It will be interesting to see how he does with what is essentially a Sharks ‘B’ team or Currie Cup side.

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SHARKS TEAM FOR CONNACHT:

1 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 2 Fez Mbatha, 3 Carlu Sadie, 4 Thembelani Bholi, 5 Reniel Hugo 6 James Venter, 7 Henco Venter, 8 Celimpilo Gumede, 9 Cameron Wright, 10 Nevaldo Fleurs, 11 Marnus Potgieter, 12 Rohan Janse van Rensburg 13 Murray Koster, 14 Yaw Penxe, 15 Anthony Volmink

Bench: 16 Kerron van Vuuren 17 Dian Bleuler 18 Khutha Mchunu 19 Ockie Barnard 20 Corne Rahl 21 Grant Williams 22 Lionel Cronje 23 Ethan Hooker.