Kolisi gets his first Sharks nod
After a number of weeks in a conditioning and orientation programme, the Cell C Sharks will unleash their latest signing, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi for their final Preparation Series clash with the Vodacom Bulls at Jonsson Kings Park this Friday.
The World Cup winning loose forward will run out in the number six jersey for the Sharks in a game that will see the two sides who battled it out for Currie Cup honours meet for the first time since the end of January.
The match will also provide coach Sean Everitt with a final look into the squad that he has at his disposal before the Rainbow Cup kicks off towards the end of April.
Everitt's final look will include some more fringe players along with some of the players who have been in a conditioning phase.
"None of our experienced players played in the first two weeks of the Preparation Series," Everitt said. "Some of the guys who played against the Lions last week hadn't played rugby for seven weeks so we are giving them another game this week because we don't have rugby between now and the start of the Rainbow Cup.
"It's important that we start to get some rhythm in the way we play and they get some rhythm in their individual performances."
Ox Nche, Rugen van Heerden and Sbu Nkosi all make their returns while Kerron van Vuuren comes onto the bench for the clash.
Curwin Bosch has been ruled out with a hand injury while Le Roux Roets and Dylan Richardson are also unavailable for selection.
After a period of conditioning Yaw Penxe was happy to be wearing the Sharks jersey again last week and is looking forward to continuing his build up to the new campaign.
“It was lovely to take the field again,” Penxe said. “We were really hungry to play and being back in action was really special.”
“It’s going to be a big one, I assume the Bulls will also play their senior players. It’s going to be a huge clash, one we’re really looking forward to."
Cell C Sharks v Vodacom Bulls
1. Ox Nche, 2. Fez Mbatha, 3. Thomas du Toit, 4. Ruben van Heerden, 5. Emile van Heerden, 6. Siya Kolisi, 7. Henco Venter (V/C), 8. Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 9. Jaden Hendrikse, 10. Boeta Chamberlain, 11. Yaw Penxe, 12. Marius Louw, 13. Lukhanyo Am (Captain), 14. Sbu Nkosi, 15. Anthony Volmink
Replacements:
16. Kerron van Vuuren, 17. Mzamo Majola, 18. John-Hubert Meyer, 19. JJ van der Mescht, 20. Phepsi Buthelezi, 21. Sanele Nohamba, 22. Rynhardt Jonker, 23. Aphelele Fassi
