Sharks bring in some experience for Province
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The KwaZulu-Natal versus Western Cape rivalry continues when the Sharks welcome Western Province to Kings Park on Wednesday for an enticing Currie Cup coastal derby.
Both sides have one win apiece.
However, Province has played two matches, while the Sharks have had just the solitary game – a 24-23 victory over Griquas in their only fixture to date.
Neither team has played in two weeks, with Province suffering a 21-40 loss to the log leading Blue Bulls in their last tournament outing.
Both sides will be looking to put in a clinical performance that renders valuable log points.
There is also the desire to keep a good track record at home and to make Kings Park a fortress.
Coach Etienne Fynn’s side has the makings of something special in the team he has named for this clash.
Marius Louw will lead a relatively experienced Sharks side, brimming with talent.
The team is bolstered by the inclusion of No.8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, who makes a welcome return to the playing field after suffering a devastating knee injury in May last year – which required surgery.
He will put the disappointment of missing eight months of action behind him as he now starts for the Sharks.
Sadly, out of action due to a long-term injury is new recruit Eduan Keyter, who made his debut in the Black & White jersey against Griquas in the Round Two match a fortnight ago.
His place on the wing is taken by Marnus Potgieter, who shone for the Sharks in their overseas leg of the United Rugby Championship.
Sharks: 15 Inny-Christian Radebe, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Werner Kok, 12 Marius Louw (captain), 11 Marnus Potgieter, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Cameron Wright, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Celimpilo Gumede, 6 James Venter, 5 Reniel Hugo, 4 Emile van Heerden, 3 Lourens Adriaanse, 2 Fezokuhle Mbatha, 1 Khwezi Mona.
Replacements: 16 Dan Jooste, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Hanru Jacobs, 19 Le Roux Roets, 20 Thembelani Bholi, 21 Olajuwon Noa, 22 Sanele Nohamba, 23 Murray Koster.
Date: Wednesday, February 2
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 20.00 (18.00 GMT)
Referee: Griffin Colby
Assistant referees: Cwengile Jadezweni, Zukile Madikizela
TMO: Egon Seconds
