Preview: Cell C Sharks vs Vodacom Bulls:
The Cell C Sharks host the Vodacom Bulls at JONSSON KINGS PARK in our second round Vodacom Super Rugby clash on Saturday, looking for a big step up from the return leg derby.
Both teams come into this match with plenty to prove. The Vodacom Bulls slipped to fourth in the South African Conference after a shock defeat to the previously poorly-fairing Chiefs who put on a half century of points against them.
Like the Cell C Sharks who lost to the self-same Vodacom Bulls, then struck back against the performing Rebels last week, there is a point to prove.
Cell C Sharks Head coach Robert du Preez admits that this is a huge game.
“It’s going to be a big, physical battle and we have to be up for it,” he explains. “This is going to be Test match rugby.”
Commenting on where the team needs to be accurate, he says: “Our exits have to be good, our kicking game in general has to be spot on. Our discipline has to be good and our physicality too. Those three things are vital.
With Beast Mtawarira equalling Adriaan Strauss’s South African Vodacom Super Rugby record of 156 appearances, du Preez has paid tribute to a true warrior and stalwart for the Cell C Sharks.
“When you speak about Beast, you need a lot of time because there is so much to say. It’s no cliché, he’s a true legend of the game. He’s been immense for us this year and his leadership, both on and off the field, has been outstanding.”
What They Said:
“When you talk about tight rugby matches, it’s all about winning the critical moments. We know it’s an important game within the same conference.”
- Cell C Sharks assistant coach Nick Easter
“There are a few things we need to do different this time around against the Bulls: We got schooled in that first game, but lots of lessons were learned that we’ll hopefully apply in the advantage of playing on our home field. It’s going to be a physical battle and we have to be mentally up for it.”
- Cell C Sharks captain Louis Schreuder
“Although the first round game is in the past, we all remember the feeling in the changeroom afterwards so we want to make amends. We as the forwards feel that we have a statement to make and as a team, a bone to pick with the Bulls after the frustration and disappointment of that earlier game. Every team in this competition can put an amazing performance together on the day and if you don’t pitch up, you’re going to concede a lot of points.”
- Cell C Sharks flank Jacques Vermeulen
The Teams:
Sbu Nkosi is out of the team this week, having taken a knock to his quad in last week’s game, but the coach confirmed that it was also a bit of rotation with Lwazi Mvovo coming in. Luke Stringer in for Phepsi Buthelezi is also rotational.
Meanwhile Craig Burden is set to play in his first game since 2013, if he comes off the bench it will be his 48th appearance for the Cell C Sharks who also welcome back Philip van der Walt from injury.
The Bulls have made a few changes to the team that was shocked by the Chiefs last week, but remain a settled side nonetheless and will provide worthy opposition.
Some Facts:
The Vodacom Bulls are undefeated in their last eight Super Rugby games against the Cell C Sharks with one draw and seven victories since last losing a match between the sides in 2014.
However, the Cell C Sharks have enjoyed home ground advantage at JONSSON KINGS PARK, having won seven of our last eight Vodacom Super Rugby games on home soil.
Some History
Overall in the competition, the teams have met 31 times, the Cell C Sharks have won nine times, there have been three draws and the Vodacom Bulls have 19 wins under the belt.
A Few Stats:
Clean Breaks*:
Cell C Sharks: 9.2 Vodacom Bulls: 7
Offloads*:
Cell C Sharks: 7.6 Vodacom Bulls: 5.8
Penalties Conceded*:
Cell C Sharks: 8.8 Vodacom Bulls: 9.4
Tackle Percentage:
Cell C Sharks: 85% Vodacom Bulls: 87%
Lineout Success:
Cell C Sharks: 85% Vodacom Bulls: 95%
Scrum Success:
Cell C Sharks: 93% Vodacom Bulls: 88%
*Ave per game
Head to Head:
2016: Vodacom Bulls 16 – 16 Cell C Sharks
2017: Cell C Sharks 17-30 Vodacom Bulls
2018: Cell C Sharks 10-40 Vodacom Bulls
2018: Vodacom Bulls 39 – 33 Cell C Sharks
2019: Vodacom Bulls 37 – 14 Cell C Sharks
Match Info:
Referee: Mike Fraser
Kick-off: Saturday 30 March
Time: 15h05
Venue: JONSSON KINGS PARK
The post Preview: Cell C Sharks vs Vodacom Bulls appeared first on Sharks Rugby.
Craig Burden is poised to make his return to Vodacom Super Rugby action after leaving the Cell C Sharks in 2013, having been named on the bench for Saturday’s showdown with the Vodacom Bulls at JONSSON KINGS PARK.
The burly hooker who started his career as a centre, played for the Cell C Sharks between 2006 and 2013 before embarking on a five-year career in France, representing Toulon, Montpellier and Stade Français.
Head coach Robert du Preez has made just two changes to the starting line-up this week, Luke Stringer replacing Phepsi Buthelezi at flank and Lwazi Mvovo coming onto the wing in place of Sbu Nkosi. There is also a first call-up for Philip van der Walt who returned from Japan with an injury but is now back to full fitness and will join Burden in making an impact off the bench.
Stalwart prop, Beast Mtawarira stands on the cusp of making history as this week he equals retired Adriaan Strauss’s record for being the most capped South African Vodacom Super Rugby player. After this match, the pair would have both featured in 156 appearances in the competition. Strauss represented the Cheetahs and then Vodacom Bulls, but Mtawarira has accomplished this record for just one team, the Cell C Sharks since making his debut in 2007 and will break the record South African record in his next appearance after this Saturday.
Reflecting on the Cell C Sharks’ victory over the Rebels last week, flank Jacques Vermeulen explains: “It was a full team performance last week, with the forwards and backs combining well together and that meant we played much better than the previous match.”
He admits that Saturday’s clash is going to require great patience if the team want to replicate last week’s success and put behind them the previous loss to the Vodacom Bulls.
“One of our strongest points as a team is when we hold on to the ball, but it’s something that frustrates us when we don’t, so it’s definitely something we’ll focus on this weekend. If we’re able to keep the ball and play in the right places on the field, we will be dangerous.”
In other words, continuing where his team left off in the second half against the Rebels when they pressured the mistakes, attacked with purpose and kept the opposition scoreless.
We didn’t quite have things go our own way in the previous match against the Vodacom Bulls, Handre Pollard’s boot, together with pressure defence from his team-mates, kept the Cell C Sharks pinned back which is something they will look to avoid this time round.
“They look to frustrate you in your own half, it’s going to be a territory-based match this weekend,” he explains. “That’s going to be a massive part of the game.”
After winning the first-round clash 37-14, some pundits might be tempted to back the Bulls to win again. But they’re coming off a demoralising loss while the Cell C Sharks have a morale-boosting win.
“The Vodacom Bulls will come to JONSSON KINGS PARK looking to resurrect their campaign after last week, but we pride ourselves on our efforts to win every home game. This is a big game for us. Every team wants to make their home ground a fortress; it’s important for us to win this weekend.”
The Cell C Sharks
- Beast Mtawarira
- Akker van der Merwe
- Coenie Oosthuizen
- Ruben van Heerden
- Hyron Andrews
- Luke Stringer
- Jacques Vermeulen
- Daniel du Preez
- Louis Schreuder (C)
- Robert du Preez
- Makazole Mapimpi
- Andre Esterhuizen
- Lukhanyo Am
- Lwazi Mvovo
- Aphelele Fassi
Replacements
- Craig Burden
- Thomas du Toit
- Khutha Mchunu
- Gideon Koegelenberg
- Philip van der Walt
- Grant Williams
- Kobus van Wyk
- Curwin Bosch
The post Burden is Back appeared first on Sharks Rugby.
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