Head coach Sean Everitt has welcomed back his Springboks into the Cell C Sharks fold and had no hesitation in naming an extremely competitive and experienced side for the clash at Jonsson Kings Park, which kicks off at 19h00 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
With the first four rounds of Vodacom URC action now over and the autumn test window a thing of the past, the South African sides are back to full strength and Everitt has been able to recall numerous Boks to his side for this match-up.
“It’s great to have the Boks back with us,” Everitt admitted.
“They’ve come back into the squad full of energy and enthusiasm and have acted like true professionals, returning to the Cell C Sharks showing great discipline and preparation from the Springboks, something they’ve passed on to the younger players.”
Back in the side are Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and Lukhanyo Am - who will captain the side wearing the No 12 jersey - along with Test wingers Makazole Mapimpi and Sbu Nkosi, while hooker Bongi Mbonambi makes his debut in the black and white jersey, having been signed from the DHL Stormers.
“While we’re up against a tough side in the Vodacom Bulls, this is a Cell C Sharks side that grew over the first four rounds of the URC and we’re looking forward to taking the Bulls on in front of our fans, even if it’s a limited number,” Everitt added.
“It’s going to be great to have spectators cheering the Cell C Sharks on and I’m sure the players will deliver a performance fitting the gratitude they have for their support.”
Aphelele Fassi, Yaw Penxe, Jaden Hendrikse, Grant Williams, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Dylan Richardson and Ox Nche were not available for this match.
Cell C Sharks: 15 Anthony Volmink, 14 Sbu Nkosi, 13 Jeremy Ward, 12 Lukhanyo Am (captain), 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Henry Chamberlain, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Jeandre Labuschagne, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu. Replacements: 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Khwezi Mona, 18 Lourens Adriaanse, 19 Reniel Hugo, 20 Henco Venter, 21 Sanele Nohamba, 22 Joaquín Díaz Bonilla, 23 Werner Kok.
Match information:
Date: Friday, 3 December
Venue: Jonsson Kings Park, Durban
SA Time: 19h00
Referee: Jaco Peyper
TV: SuperSport
