The Cell C Sharks have everything to play for as we approach the Vodacom Super Rugby qualifying rounds with everything riding on the outcome of the final pool match against the DHL Stormers in Cape Town.
The congestion on the South African Conference log means that going down to the final game of the weekend, the permutations are numerous. With the Vodacom Bulls and Emirates Lions locking horns in the other South African derby, it means that the teams’ respective destinies will only be determined at the final whistle of the final game of the pool stages.
Both Beast Mtawarira and Cameron Wright are back from injury in some great news for the Cell C Sharks to play their part on our quest for a top eight finish.
Beast Mtawarira takes over from Mzamo Majola in the front row, with Majola playing off the bench while Ruben van Heerden will move to the starting line-up this week in the absence of Ruan Botha who has been battling with a nerve impingement on his foot.
There is just one change to the backline, Aphelele Fassi reverting to fullback after for Curwin Bosch who has an ankle injury.
Hooker, Craig Burden has tweaked his hamstring and is also unavailable which opens the door of opportunity for Cullen Collopy. Gideon Koegelenberg provides lock cover on the bench and utility back Rhyno Smith is named on the bench
The Crusaders are the only team to have a bye in an action-packed final round of pool matches. The New Zealanders are the reigning champions and have buttoned up top spot on the overall log with an unassailable lead after the completion of their fixtures.
The Jaguares have also secured their position as Conference winners while the four remaining South African sides are separated by just three points going down to the final weekend.
Cell C Sharks
- Beast Mtawarira
- Kerron van Vuuren
- Coenie Oosthuizen
- Ruben van Heerden
- Hyron Andrews
- Jacques Vermeulen
- Tyler Paul
- Daniel du Preez
- Louis Schreuder (C)
- Robert du Preez
- Makazole Mapimpi
- Andre Esterhuizen
- Lukhanyo Am
- Sbu Nkosi
- Aphelele Fassi
Replacements
- Cullen Collopy
- Mzamo Majola
- Thomas du Toit
- Gideon Koegelenberg
- Luke Stringer
- Cameron Wright
- Jeremy Ward
- Rhyno Smith
The post Last Big Push appeared first on Sharks Rugby.
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