The Cell C Sharks have leant heavily on their returning Springboks for inspiration and impact ahead of tonight’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash with Ospreys at Hollywoodbets Kings Park.

With beautiful – if not hot – weather predicted for this game, the Cell C Sharks will look to deliver a commanding performance from everyone with non-playing Springboks Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi playing important roles behind the scenes.

“Guys like Siya and Eben were great for us this week, they had massive contributions and having those Boks back was really good to refocus us again and to make sure that we focus on the job at hand,” explained Cell C Sharks Director of Rugby Neil Powell.

“Although they aren’t available for team selection, Siya and Eben have been at every training session, every team meeting this week and they’ve been huge for us. It’s been great to have all our Boks back, they’ve really brought a hunger for success and hopefully that rubs off on the rest of the squad.”

While the Cell C Sharks’ Welsh opponents have not enjoyed the fruits of their efforts in the first half of this URC edition, they will come to Durban full of intent.

“There are no easy games in this tournament, we realised that with Cardiff. We can’t just pitch up and think things will just happen for us. This is where we have to act on the words we’ve spoke this week,” Powell admitted.

“We’ve let ourselves down in our actions and our efforts on the field and we definitely have to make a step up. We can’t just pitch up against Ospreys who have won one game this season and think it’s just going to be a walk-over or an easy game.

“The message to the players this whole week is that we’re looking for effort and we’re looking for everyone to make it happen, without expecting it to happen by itself.”

Powell’s selections for this match have seen a new look loose-trio, with both Phepsi Buthelezi and Sikhumbuzo Notshe starting, having previously pushed each other for the eighthman jersey. Jeandre Labuschagne completes the back row.

Explaining the motivation behind this exciting development, Powell explained that, “It was important for us to try maximise the pack and to play either Phepsi or Sikhumbuzo just didn’t make sense. You want to have your best players on the field and that’s why we selected them both in the starting line-up.

“And Lappies really put his hand up in the warm-up match against the Cheetahs and we want to create an environment where players who train or play well are rewarded.”

There is also a long-awaited return to action for Curwin Bosch who has had a long spell on the injury list.

“Curwin has been training fully with us for the last two weeks and he’s really done well. What we’re looking for from him is to manage the game from a kicking and communication perspective, making sure we play in the opposition half.

“He’s very good at managing the game and we’ve seen it in this week’s preparations. It will be good to see how he goes.”

Tonight’s match at Hollywoodbets Kings Park kicks off at 7.10pm.

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The Cell C Sharks have welcomed back a number of returning Springboks for their Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash against Ospreys taking place at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Friday evening.

Ospreys come into this match under pressure, having won just once in their eight league matches to date, and arrive in Durban off the back of four losses and a draw from their last five fixtures.

The Cell C Sharks will be looking for another big boost from their returning Springboks who have brought plenty of spirit and morale back from Europe, following their outstanding 27-13 victory over England on the weekend.

Previously away on Castle Lager Rugby Championship duty, their return to the Cell C Sharks produced an emphatic message of intent, and the Boks are expected to have the same impact following the Autumn Rugby Internationals.

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and second rower Eben Etzebeth have both carried a heavy load for the national team and haven’t been included, but Cell C Sharks Director of Rugby Neil Powell has named Ox Nche and Bongi Mbonambi in the front row, while Jaden Hendrikse and Curwin Bosch, back from the Boks and injury respectively, form an exciting halfback pairing.

Makazole Mapimpi has also returned to the club and has been named on the wing.

In other changes, Vincent Tshituka moves from flank to lock with Sikhumbuzo Noshe, Jeandre Labuschagne and Phepsi Buthelezi forming a formidable back row. Buthelezi will captain the side.

Ben Tapuai is back in the starting line-up and the Australian international will partner Francois Venter – himself an international – in the midfield, with Boeta Chamberlain slotting in at fullback.

Cell C Sharks

1. Ox Nche
2. Bongi Mbonambi
3. Carlu Sadie
4. Vincent Tshituka
5. Gerbrandt Grobler
6. Sikhumbuzo Noshe
7. Jeandre Labuschagne
8. Phepsi Buthelezi (c)
9. Jaden Hendrikse
10. Curwin Bosch
11. Makazole Mapimpi
12. Ben Tapuai
13. Francois Venter
14. Marnus Potgieter
15. Boeta Chamberlain

 Replacements 

16. Dan Jooste

17. Ntuthuko Mchunu

18. Khutha Mchunu

19. Hyron Andrews

20. James Venter

21. Grant Williams

22. Nevaldo Fleurs

23. Rohan Janse van Rensburg

The post Boks To Bolster Sharks appeared first on The Sharks.

Durban, 28 November 2022:  The Sharks today announced that by mutual consent, the Cell C Sharks Head Coach, Sean Everitt has stepped down from his role, with immediate effect.

Coetzee added: “We thank Sean for his invaluable contribution to The Sharks over the past few years, especially navigating through a challenging COVID-19 period. He will always remain a part of The Sharks family. I would like to take this opportunity to wish him and his family the very best moving forward.”

“This decision has been made in the best interests of the team moving forward,” said The Sharks CEO, Dr Eduard Coetzee. “Our Director of Rugby, Neil Powell, will oversee the remainder of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship campaign as well as our first foray in the Heineken Champions Cup, which kicks off on the 10th of December. Neil will be ably supported by the rest of our current senior coaching structure, which remains unchanged.”

Everitt’s history at The Sharks dates to 2008, when he was appointed as an assistant in a Currie Cup winning year, and he has successfully come through the ranks being involved in five Currie Cup finals. He notably coached the unbeaten Cell C Sharks Under 19s to the SA Rugby Under 19 Championship title in 2018, and thereafter he assumed the role as head coach of the 2020 Super Rugby campaign, where they were top of the log when Covid brought an abrupt end to the campaign.

He has served the union faithfully as a junior and then senior coach and navigated the team to two Currie Cup  finals and their first Vodacom United Rugby Championship season in 2021/22, which saw them ending fifth on the log out of 16 teams and qualifying for the Heineken Champions Cup.

Sean Everitt stated: “This is a sad development for me and sometimes the results don’t always match the tireless effort that has been put in. 

“I have been a part of this union for close on 15 years and I’ve always had the best interests of this team at heart. I leave with no regrets.”

“I would like to thank The Sharks for the great memories and the wonderful opportunities that has been given to me at the helm of this fantastic team. I wish The Sharks every success, as the season progresses.”

ENDS.

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Following a month long break from United Rugby Championship action, the Cell C Sharks return to Hollywoodbets Kings Park this Sunday evening when they host Cardiff Rugby.

It’s an important weekend with sides jockeying for log positions as the tournament heads for the halfway stage. With two games in hand over most of the teams above them on the overall log, the Cell C Sharks go into this match knowing that they have every opportunity of taking a vital step towards a top four finish.

Providing an update on the team’s readiness for this match after their break, Cell C Sharks Director of Rugby Neil Powell explained, “After our friendly, but full-contact, match against Free State last week when we gave returning-from-injury players some game time as well as the rest of the squad, hopefully we’ll have some flow and momentum going into this Cardiff match.”

There have been numerous personnel changes from the last game, necessitated by both Springbok commitments and injury. A big loss is the injury to Aphelele Fassi during the SA’A’ two match series, but Powell pointed out that there is ample back-up in the number 15 jersey.

“It’s obviously tough losing a player of the quality of Fassi, someone we’d rather have on the field than on the sidelines watching, but we have a very capable player in the form of Anthony Volmink who starts this weekend. He’s someone who knows our structures, he’s been in the system for a while now and he’s eager to show what he’s capable of. So it’s nice to have a back-up player of his calibre at fullback and we have other options there as well.”

The midfield has also been bolstered by the return of Rohan Janse van Rensburg at centre, where he will partner Francois Venter.

“It’s good to have quality players like Rohan back in the team, especially for this weekend when the conditions are expected to be wet and difficult,” said Powell. “He’s one of those centres who can be more direct and it’s great to have him in partnership with Francois.”

The Cell C Sharks’ last match was an away game against the Bulls, and Powell admitted that they have taken a valuable lesson from that match.

“There’s a lot we can learn from any game, especially the ones you’ve lost,” he explained. “The lesson we can take, not only from that game, but the whole week, is our preparation for that game went so well but there wasn’t the carry-over into the game.

“The focus for us this week is to carry over the good prep we’ve had this week onto the field, and to make sure we give the same effort and accuracy.”

Turning his attention to Cardiff who are also missing a few of their players, he warned that the Cell C Sharks won’t be taking their Welsh opponents lightly.

“They’re a really good team who’ve changed the way they played last season a bit, but definitely a quality team with good structures in place. The conditions might suit their play which means we need to manage the game well and that we show good discipline.

“The majority of their tries come from lineouts and mauling, so with that comes our discipline and the fact that we can’t give away too many penalties that they can then kick to the line and play off their lineouts.

“Defensively, they’re very strong and this is going to be a game we have to make sure we’re up for.”

He added that, “This is a great opportunity for our boys to show that we can play at this level and that we can be successful in front of our home crowd.”

The post Preview: Cell C Sharks vs Cardiff Rugby appeared first on The Sharks.

James Venter will lead the Cell C Sharks against Cardiff Rugby on Sunday evening at Hollywoodbets Kings Park as they return to Vodacom United Rugby Championship action following the autumn test window.

There is a number of Sharks Springboks still engaged in national duty – the Springboks take on England in the final test of the season this weekend – the Cell C Sharks team that host the side from the Welsh capital will look to both impress as well as fight for important gains.

Cardiff come to Durban off a 25-17 home loss to Edinburgh in their last VURC outing and will not want to slip up again, while the Cell C Sharks players selected for this match will take full opportunity given to them to really have a go at their visitors.

Squad depth is vital to the Cell C Sharks’ cause over the next few months and the players given this opportunity will look to really step up and deliver a powerful, victorious performance.

Two log points separate the sides, but Cardiff have played two extra games and a non-negotiable home win for the Cell C Sharks will do their title chase the world of good.

The changes for the Cell C Sharks for this match see Dian Bleuler and Carlü Sadie replacing Ntuthuko Mchunu and Thomas du Toit respectively in the front row.

Following his fine efforts off the bench, Justin Basson gets a start in the second row, with Gerbrandt Grobler shifting in place of Hyron Andrews who plays off the bench.

In the back row, James Venter takes over from Dylan Richardson on the side of the scrum while Sikhumbuzo Notshe and Phepsi Buthelezi, both fresh off their SA’A’ commitments, swap jerseys.

In the backline, Werner Kok shifts to the left wing in place of Thaakir Abrahams, with the Blitzbok star’s position on the right wing occupied by Marnus Potgieter.

Rohan Janse van Rensburg is back, Ben Tapuai moves to the bench, with van Rensburg forming a Springbok partnership with the highly-rated and vastly experienced Francois Venter who has also been given the vice-captaincy for this match.

Lionel Cronje makes a welcome return to the team and is named on the bench.

The final change sees Anthony Volmink in for Aphelele Fassi who suffered an ankle injury in his SA’A’ appearance against Munster.

Sunday’s clash kicks off at 6.10pm.

Cell C Sharks

1. Dian Bleuler
2. Kerron van Vuuren
3. Carlü Sadie
4. Justin Basson
5. Gerbrandt Grobler
6. James Venter (c)
7. Vincent Tshituka
8. Sikhumbuzo Notshe
9. Cameron Wright
10. Boeta Chamberlain
11. Werner Kok
12. Rohan Janse van Rensburg
13. Francois Venter
14. Marnus Potgieter
15. Anthony Volmink

Replacements

16. Dan Jooste
17. Khwezi Mona
18. Khutha Mchunu
19. Hyron Andrews
20. Phepsi Buthelezi
21. Bradley Davids*
22. Lionel Cronje
23. Ben Tapuai

*Denotes possible debut for the Cell C Sharks

The post Time to Shine appeared first on The Sharks.

Following the break, due to the end of year international fixtures, the Vodacom United Rugby Championship rugby returns this weekend with the Cell C Sharks hosting Cardiff Rugby at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Sunday evening. 

While test rugby took centre stage, the Cell C Sharks have been hard at work behind the scenes, preparing for this week’s first game back. 

“The break couldn’t have come at a better time,” explains Cell C Sharks flank Vincent Tshituka. “I feel refreshed and ready to go and that goes for all the players.”

It’s action-aplenty in the coming weeks and months with both the URC competition and then there’s the Heineken Champions Cup which kicks off in early December. 

“As a team, our focus is on a massive squad effort because it’s going to take the entire squad for us to be at our best and compete and do well in both competitions. We’ve been working hard on getting everyone up to par and at a world class performance level,” he explains.

Right now, squad depth is vital for a Cell C Sharks team missing close on 10 players to the Springbok cause.

“It’s an honour for any team to have as many Springboks as they can, that’s the purpose of the unions: to create as many world class players as possible. We’re fortunate that we have nine on international duty and that allows everybody an opportunity to play. These next 10 to 12 weeks are going to take a massive squad effort with a lot of travel thrown in.

“So while we would like to have our Springboks back, it’s also a good opportunity for others to get game time under the belt.”

Although a busy programme beckons – both home and away in Europe – Tshituka admits that the focus is on the here and now, rather than what’s to come over the next few weeks and months.

“We’re taking it week by week because when you look too far forward, you run the danger of losing sight of what’s ahead of us right now. So our focus is on the next two games against the European teams (Cardiff and Ospreys), and then we will re-focus our attention.”

Talking specifics, he explains that the focus this week has been around the challenge they face from Cardiff.

“The set-piece battle will be massive this week, they have a strong set-piece from where a lot of their game is derived.

“We’ve been working hard in training on the avenues we feel we could be better at. We want to deliver a world class performance for the full 80 minutes.” 

He’s relishing the new life he’s enjoying in Durban and admits that he’s embracing every challenge he’s given as well as set for himself.

“I’m definitely finding my feet, although at the beginning, coming back from injury it did take longer than expected, but I’m in a good space now.

“One of the reasons for coming to The Sharks was the depth and competition, and this was an opportunity to hold myself to a world class standard, amongst world class players. This constantly keeps me pushing to be at my best and helps me to find my best form.”

The post Back on Track appeared first on The Sharks.

This weekend’s closing round of the SA Rugby Under 19 Cup is a veritable final between the Cell C Sharks and Vodacom Bulls Under 19 sides, as they battle it out for honours on the KP2 field, at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday.

The Cell C Sharks Under 19s and their Bulls’ counterparts both go into this game with an unbeaten record, the Durban side following up their 21-15 first round victory over Free State with a heroic, come-from-behind 22-20 victory over Western Province in Cape Town last weekend.

Assistant coach and former Cell C Sharks wing Lwazi Mvovo, admits that the team is reaping the rewards of their efforts in this campaign as they go into this final match of the competition.

“This campaign has involved a lot of hard work in getting the players to the standard we wanted.

“To beat Province last week, in that manner with a last minute try, showed the belief in the team,” he explains. “We could have kicked a penalty for the draw, but going for the lineout and the win showed character.”

Commenting on Saturday’s match, which kicks off at 1pm, Mvovo points out that, “The Bulls have a strong junior structure because of the Varsity Cup and that’s something we don’t have the luxury of, but the players have consistently put in so much effort and hard work.

“The guys are excited, it’s two unbeaten sides and this game is going to require a lot of hard work and commitment.”

Cell C Sharks U/19

1. Phatu Ganyane

2. Marnus Winter

3. Dian Heunis

4. Matthew van Vuuren

5. Luca Ribbens

6. Torbyn Visser

7. Khumo-etsile Nkutha

8. Jannes Potgieter

9. Michael Koch

10. Christian Els

11. Kyle Zinn

12. Ethan Hooker (c)

13. Singele Mkhize

14. Banie Britz

15. PJ Venter

Replacements

16. Torbyn Visser

17. Dylan Willis

18. Uli Walker

19. Ockert Schonken

20. Lwazi Sithole

21. Ian de Fouw

22. Frederick Marx

23. Trent Coetzee

The post ‘Finals’ Time appeared first on The Sharks.

The Cell C Sharks Under 19s will continue their SA Rugby Under 19 Cup campaign when they travel to Cape Town to take on the Western Province Under 19s on Saturday.

They will look to build on their first round victory in this single round tournament that features just four teams.

The Bulls’ 24-3 round one victory over Western Province has installed them as log leaders, while the Cell C Sharks’ 21-15 defeat of Free State means that the juniors from Durban are second on the log.

Head coach, former Cell C Sharks and Springbok hero JP Pietersen, has made just three changes to his starting lineup for this coastal derby, two in the back row and one amongst the backs.

Pietersen has brought in new flanks, Torbyn Visser for Lwazi Sithole and Khumo-etsile Nkutha in place of Kevin Kakoma, while Michael Koch moves to the number nine jersey in the final personnel change.

There is one position switch, where last week’s scrumhalf Christian Els shifts to flyhalf in place of Jean Smith.

Saturday’s clash at Villagers RFC kicks off at 12 noon.

Cell C Sharks U/19

1. Phatu Ganyane
2. Marnus Winter
3. Dian Heunis
4. Coetzee Le Roux
5. Luca Ribbens
6. Torbyn Visser
7. Khumo-etsile Nkutha
8. Jannes Potgieter
9. Michael Koch
10. Christian Els
11. Singele Mkhize
12. Ethan Hooker (c)
13. Ryan Manuel
14. Banie Britz
15. PJ Venter
    Replacements
16. Bryce Calvert
17. Dylan Willis
18. Uli Walker
19. Matthew van Vuuren
20. Lwazi Sithole
21. Ian de Fouw
22. Trent Coetzee
23. Kyle Zinn

The post Building Character appeared first on The Sharks.

In the Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash between the Vodacom Bulls and Cell C Sharks in Pretoria on Sunday, both sides enjoyed periods of dominance at various times of an intense derby game.

With momentum shifting between the two sides and the Cell C Sharks taking a 17-16 lead in the second half, the game was wide open with half an hour’s play remaining.

“Rugby is a game of momentum and confidence,” explained Cell C Sharks Director of Rugby Neil Powell after the match.

“If you can’t hold on to that momentum or confidence when you have it, good teams – like the Bulls – will punish you, which they did in the second half.

“Game management and how we can keep our momentum is definitely something we will address. When they scored that one try, the guys seemed to drop their heads a bit. Then we conceded a second try and that felt like they’d taken our energy away. It’s something we need to address and be better at – to keep fighting for the full 80 minutes.”

From a physicality point of view, and that’s something most teams will assess against the Bulls, he felt that his team did not stand back.

“I think we did do well, we know coming to Loftus and playing the Bulls, it will be physical, and we prevented them from scoring maul tries, so much so that the last penalty they kicked for poles rather than to the corner.

“So the guys really stepped up, but it was just individual errors and not managing the game well enough that probably let us down.”

In summation, Powell explained that, “It was a game of missed opportunities and quite a few individual errors. We would have loved to be a lot more clinical with what we wanted to execute, I felt we could have put more pressure on the Bulls when we had opportunities in the first half. Unfortunately we weren’t clinical enough in the execution of our individual roles, and that showed.

“Also, not playing Ulster the previous week did stop our momentum and flow a bit. We couldn’t really find our momentum in the first half, but when we scored that try it looked like it had returned. Unfortunately we couldn’t hang on to that momentum.”

The URC now breaks for the autumn internationals, with the Cell C Sharks next back in action on Sunday 27 November, when they host Cardiff Rugby at Hollywoodbets Kings Park.

During the next month, Powell explained that, “Most of the guys will be back for that game, but we’ll have a look at this Bulls game closely and see which are the areas we can improve on, both as a team but also individual skill sets, if we want to be better and beat teams away from home.”

The post Momentum and Confidence appeared first on The Sharks.

The Cell C Sharks went down 40-27 to the Vodacom Bulls in a frustrating Vodacom United Rugby Championship derby at Loftus in Pretoria on Sunday afternoon.

The lead and momentum see-sawed through-out, with the Bulls holding the early advantage, followed by a period of Cell C Sharks dominance, before three second half tries took the home team into an unassailable lead and the catalyst for the win.

The opening 10 minutes of the game were intensely contested, with the Cell C Sharks having the best opportunity to score, only for a lineout steal to deny them after a penalty was sent to the corner rather than through posts in the quest for the ultimate reward.

That period ended on a sad note when Ben Tapuai left the field after taking a knee to the head in the process of trying to make a tackle which wasn’t a disruption the Cell C Sharks would have liked that early on in the game.

The home side raised the flags first, a penalty following a strong attack on the quarter hour and five minutes later nearly scored the opening try of the game, playing the pressure game effectively but denied with a forward pass, and then foul play to release the pressure they had built up.

However the Bulls did add a second penalty after 25 minutes with both sides battling with discipline, before the Bulls conceded a scrum penalty on the halfway line and Boeta Chamberlain showed that he can kick from anywhere, converting from 50m out.

Bulls flyhalf Chris Smith added a third penalty five minutes before half-time following a scrum penalty, an area of the game that was hotly contested from both sides.

Another area of interest was the breakdown and two steals from the Bulls got them into a strong attacking position and Marcel Coetzee rounded off the home side effort to score the first try of the game just before half-time, the conversion taking the Bulls into a 16-3 lead.

The response was as swift as it was devastating, the Bulls conceding two incidents of penalty advantage which wasn’t needed in a ruthless attack, Marnus Potgieter showing why he is so highly rated as he brushed off the initial defence and then rounded the final line to score under the posts, handing Chamberlain the easiest of conversions to reduce the lead back to six points for the sides to go to the change rooms with the Bulls leading 16-10.

There was a sense of renewed confidence from the Cell C Sharks who dominated the early stages of the second half, the Bulls making a number of kicking and disciplinary errors that cost them dearly as the best try of the game came with half an hour remaining and put the Cell C Sharks into the lead following a beautiful pass to Aphelele Fassi in the midfield and there was no-one near him as he cantered over after the forwards had done the business at an attacking lineout.

As the game went into the final quarter, the Bulls retook the lead with a penalty for a breakdown infringement, 19-17 in front, only to see the Cell C Sharks restore their lead, earning a breakdown penalty from the kick-off.

The lead continued to see-saw, but a double-strike from the home side took the game away as they scored their second try in fortuitous circumstances, and then a third moments later, referred to the TMO for a forward pass as the Bulls went into a 13 point lead with 10 minutes remaining.

Five minutes later the bonus point try came, the fired up Bulls forwards relentless in their driving maul.

There was a late fightback, with Phepsi Buthelezi marking a massive game with a wonderful try, but it came too late, as Chamberlain’s conversion saw his team trailing by 13 points with moments left to play.

The post Vodacom Bulls vs Cell C Sharks – Match Review appeared first on The Sharks.

Derby matches don’t get much bigger than those between the Cell C Sharks and Vodacom Bulls and Sunday’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash between the two sides should produce every bit of intensity and competitiveness that we’ve come to expect when they meet.The Cell C Sharks unfortunately had their match against Ulster called off last week, but the opportunity to work on their preparations for this weekend certainly wasn’t wasted.

Director of Rugby Neil Powell, admitted how disappointed the team was not to have a crack at the Irish giants, but a new challenge now awaits and they are ready to embrace it.

“Having the Ulster game postponed or cancelled – we’re still awaiting an outcome on that – gave us an opportunity to spend more time to focus on the Bulls and get us ready for this weekend,” he explained. “We know that it’s always going to be a physical battle against the Bulls at Loftus and that’s what we’re preparing for.

“It’s a big challenge to play them at their home, and to be successful there, and the challenge has been put to the team and hopefully they will make us proud over the weekend.”

Outlining areas of focus, both for his team and countering what the opposition bring, Powell explained that, “The physical battle will be especially tough upfront amongst the forwards. It is going to take an 80 minute effort from us, not just a good start or good finish, but a game where we put a full 80 minutes together and put pressure on them in every aspect of the game.

“The Bulls have a good kicking game, so hopefully we can match that. We also know we need to stand up to what they bring in the physical department, if we don’t, we know we will be in trouble.

“But we’ve prepared well, there has been good energy in this week’s preparation because we missed out on playing last weekend.”

Francois Venter makes his debut on Sunday and Powell said that there are big expectations on the new player who hasn’t wasted any time fitting in.

“He brings a lot of experience, he’s played at international level, he’s played in the UK as well. He also brings a lot of rugby IQ and we’ve been impressed at how quickly he’s grasped what’s expected of him; he’s on the same page as far as our attacking principles and attacking shapes go.

“He’s not only a good guy in terms of what he brings on the field, but also off the field as a team player and someone who is good for his team-mates.

“He has an amazing work ethic and that was important for us, that he understands the system and what’s expected of him, then we were more than happy to select him. He’s caught up quickly and we’re looking forward to see how he goes against the Bulls.”

With Lukhanyo Am still expected to be out for a few weeks still, with a target of returning for the Ospreys’ match on 2^nd December, Venter, along with Rohan Janse van Rensburg and Marnus Potgieter all have important roles to play in the midfield.

Stability is vital and Powell admitted that, “It’s really important to have cohesion in the midfield and hopefully Francois will bring that stability for us in the number 13 jersey.

“Rohan returns for the Cardiff game so we have the nice problem of having three centres we can select from.”

The post Vodacom Bulls vs Cell C Sharks – Match Preview appeared first on The Sharks.

Sunday’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship derby showdown with the Vodacom Bulls is set to be an explosive affair when the Cell C Sharks travel to Pretoria following their enforced bye with Ulster over the weekend.

‘Disappointment aplenty’ might best describe last week’s home clash with the Irish team that had to be called-off following an outbreak of gastro in the Ulster camp, and the Cell C Sharks will relish the opportunity to get stuck into their local rivals this weekend.

The Cell C Sharks coaching team do not have their Springboks available for selection this week, but have nonetheless a powerful squad to select from.

The Springboks’ contribution was immense in the victory over Glasgow Warriors two weeks ago, but with their unavailability the squad now reverts to the one that toured and achieved pleasing results overseas.

Changes from the last team that played see only one switch amongst the forward pack, with lock Gerbrandt Grobler replacing Springbok Eben Etzebeth, while three changes amongst the backline have been made.

Cameron Wright takes over from another Springbok, scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse and Thaakir Abrahams is in for Anthony Volmink. Newly signed, seven-time Springbok capped centre Francois Venter gets his debut start ahead of Marnus Potgieter, who has been named on the bench.

Cell C Sharks

1. Ntuthuko Mchunu
2. Kerron van Vuuren
3. Thomas du Toit (c)
4. Gerbrandt Grobler
5. Hyron Andrews
6. Dylan Richardson
7. Vincent Tshituka
8. Phepsi Buthelezi
9. Cameron Wright
10. Boeta Chamberlain
11. Thaakir Abrahams
12. Ben Tapuai
13. Francois Venter*
14. Werner Kok
15. Aphelele Fassi

Replacements

16. Dan Jooste
17. Dian Bleuler
18. Carlu Sadie
19. Justin Basson
20. James Venter
21. Sikhumbuzo Notshe
22. Grant Williams
23. Marnus Potgieter

*Denotes Cell C Sharks debut

The post Derby at Loftus appeared first on The Sharks.

Sunday’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash with the Vodacom Bulls is the ideal opportunity for Cell C Sharks prop Ntuthuko Mchunu to show just what he is capable of.

He would have loved the chance to get stuck into Ulster last week, albeit off the bench, but that was not to be as they and the Glasgow Warriors both had to pull out of their respect URC matches.

“It was quite shocking news on Friday,” said Mchunu of the fact that the game has now been postponed. “We had a good week of preparations and had come off a good win against the Warriors, so we were looking forward to the game.”

Although there was massive disappointment at not having the opportunity to have a crack at Ulster with a full-strength, Bok-laden Cell C Sharks side, the unscheduled bye has given the squad time to prepare for Sunday’s Bulls’ derby with a team full of energy.

“The players are going to be really fresh this weekend,” he explained.

“We are really looking forward to this match and we’ve prepared well. It’s always a big game when two South African sides go up against each other. Going to Loftus is never easy and the South African teams all front up when we play in the local derbies.

“We’ve prepared for a really physical battle at set-piece time. We know they’re going to bring it but our focus is on ourselves and taking care of what we need to and what we’ve prepared for.

“It should be a really good occasion with both teams looking to front up and play well against one another.”
He added that targeting this game for a victory was nothing more than a general tournament goal, saying, “This is a game we want to win, but in saying that, we go out there to win every game we play, both home and away.”

With the Springboks now out of the picture and an opportunity for extended game time while they are away on national duty, Mchunu admitted that this was a time to put to use all the lessons he’s been able to absorb from them.
“The Sharks have really grown the group and with World Cup winners coming in, from my side as a front rower, the best thing I can do is soak up what they bring and we all feed off each other, on and off the field.

“Every minute spent with them is an opportunity for me to squeeze and maximise the learnings from people who have loads of experience and they have my respect.

“We challenge and lift our standards and for me personally it’s about absorbing everything I can.”

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The post Cell C Sharks vs Ulster – Match Called-Off appeared first on The Sharks.

Thomas du Toit will lead an experienced Cell C Sharks’ side against a dangerous Ulster team who visit Hollywoodbets Kings Park for Saturday’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship showdown.

Both Ulster and the Cell C Sharks have an enviable record in this year’s competition and currently occupy positions two and four respectively on the overall log, although the Durban side have a game in hand over their illustrious opponents.

With the Springboks enjoying limited time with their VURC franchise, the Cell C Sharks coaching team has had a delicate balancing act reintegrating these senior players back into the team.

Some of the returning Springboks played off the bench in last week’s victory over Glasgow Warriors following their return from the Castle Lager Rugby Championship campaign, and this week the coaching team has had no hesitation in starting prop Ox Nche, hooker Bongi Mbonambi, Springbok captain and flank Siya Kolisi, and wing Makazole Mapimpi for this crucial home game.

Nche comes in for Ntuthuko Mchunu while Mbonambi swaps jerseys with Kerron van Vuuren with Siya Kolisi taking over from Dylan Richardson amongst the changes in the forwards.

Makazole Mapimpi replaces Anthony Volmink in the final change to last week’s starting line-up.
Saturday is Sharksfest at Hollywoodbets Kings Park with a host of entertainment planned for the entire family. The match kicks off at 6.15pm.

Cell C Sharks

1. Ox Nche
2. Bongi Mbonambi
3. Thomas du Toit (c)
4. Eben Etzebeth
5. Hyron Andrews
6. Siya Kolisi
7. Vincent Tshituka
8. Phepsi Buthelezi
9. Jaden Hendrikse
10. Boeta Chamberlain
11. Makazole Mapimpi
12. Ben Tapuai
13. Marnus Potgieter
14. Werner Kok
15. Aphelele Fassi

Replacements

16. Kerron van Vuuren
17. Ntuthuko Mchunu
18. Carlu Sadie
19. Reniel Hugo
20. James Venter
21. Sikhumbuzo Notshe
22. Cameron Wright
23. Anthony Volmink

The post Sharks Boks Back in the Starting XV appeared first on The Sharks.

Durban, 20 October 2022: The Sharks are delighted to announce that we have entered into a partnership with leading smart technology brand, Lenovo.

As the Official Laptop supplier to The Sharks, Lenovo will provide state-of-the-art laptops to the Sharks staff and management to ensure that The Sharks are able to perform at their peak both on and off the field.

Commenting on the partnership, The Sharks CEO, Dr Eduard Coetzee said: “The Sharks are committed to partnering with like-minded brands, and with both companies sharing the same values and ethos, this partnership with Lenovo falls in line with our ambition of being a globally recognisable brand that is centred on excellence.

“The alignment between our two recognisable and highly respected brands is a commitment to inclusivity. Lenovo strives to use their scale and global presence to raise awareness and champion inclusivity, while The Sharks constantly champion inclusivity through diversity both in and off the field.”

“The Sharks have entered a new and exciting era in our history, and we look forward to working closely with Lenovo through a mutually beneficial partnership.”

As a Fortune Global 500 technology company and one of Fortune Magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies, Lenovo thinks and acts globally and this ties in with The Sharks vision of global rugby dominance.

Yugen Naidoo, General Manager, Lenovo Intelligent Devices Group, Southern Africa Said: “Our partnership with The Sharks marks the unification of two brands who share similar values in innovation, high performance and diversity and inclusion. As part of our ambition to make the smartest technology accessible to all, we’re delighted to be bolstering our partnership with local entities in South Africa who share our vision. I am sure with our technology and community engagement, together Lenovo and the Sharks will be offering South African rugby fans a more informative and entertaining experience”

Like Lenovo’s belief that they can impact society positively, so too The Sharks who have made a difference in our local communities, through programmes of assistance to individuals and organisations affected by the looting in KZN in 2021 as well as the devastation of this year’s April floods that impacted the lives of so many in and around Durban.

Lenovo have helped countless organisations re-think the way they use technology to revitalise their business through smarter solutions that leverage hardware, software and services, and this partnership with The Sharks will no doubt provide further means to develop and grow The Sharks’ business further.

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The returning Springboks certainly played a big role in the Cell C Sharks’ powerful Vodacom United Rugby Championship victory over Glasgow Warriors at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday.

The were contributions from debutants Eben Etzebeth who won a deserved man of the match award in his first outing in the Black & White jersey and Vincent Tshituka, along with Jaden Hendrikse who all started.

Then, when the game needed the tempo to climb in the second half, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and front rowers Bongo Mbonambi and Ox Nche all raised their hands and helped to deliver the knock-out punch that wrestled the game away from the Scots and earned the Cell C Sharks an important bonus point victory.

Discussing his unaccustomed role off the bench, Cell C Sharks flank Siya Kolisi admitted that it was just about being on the field and, along with his fellow Boks, playing his part.

“We were excited, we were just happy to be back and join this group after what the boys did on tour,” he explained.

“We just wanted to add value after a week off [after the Springbok commitments] and then a week of integration with the squad which was good and I really enjoyed the game.

“Coming off the bench we knew there was still a lot to do, we had to bring the energy and we were able to get some good carries, Bongi and Ox getting stuck in and Eben from the beginning; they all brought the physicality we needed in the group.

“Whatever role we have to play coming in and fitting in with the group is something we will happily take because it’s not about us at the end of the day, but the Cell C Sharks.”

The next challenge to negotiate is the arrival of Ulster to Hollywoodbets Kings Park this weekend. The Irish side are one of the top teams in the competition and their second place on the log adequately underlines the danger they pose.

There was a lot the Cell C Sharks got right last weekend, but Kolisi did identify the set-piece battle as one his team would like to really perform well in.

“The set-piece is going to be very important because Ulster have a strong pack and they use their maul effectively,” he acknowledged.

“They also target the scrum as an area to force penalties and it’s somewhere we do want to improve. We gave away one penalty, got one back and earned a tighthead last week so we’re going to have to be really strong in the scrums and mauls. They’re also very good at the breakdown with their loose-forwards.

“In general, they’re a gain-line team, they want to get over the gain-line, so the contact area is going to be important.

“But we have a good pack too, experienced guys who know they need to stand up each weekend. We know there’s no place to hide so we need to go flat out and every one of us needs to make sure he’s up for the challenge and set the standard from the word go.”

From a Cell C Sharks perspective, he admitted that game management would be vital.

“We need to manage things well and play in the right areas, but when there are opportunities, we are definitely going to go for it.”

The post Making a Contribution appeared first on The Sharks.

The Cell C Sharks can look back at their 40-12 Vodacom United Rugby Championship win over Glasgow Warriors at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday with pride and encouragement.

The bonus point victory sent the Cell C Sharks into fourth spot on the overall log with a game in hand, and they sit in a good position ahead of their home game against Ulster this weekend.

“We’re very happy with the outcome of this game,” explained Cell C Sharks head coach Sean Everitt after the match, acknowledging that their game management came to the fore.

It wasn’t only in various facets of the game that they dominated, but it was about the way they handled the ebb and flow of the game, countering everything their athletic and physical opponents threw at them, before stepping up a gear later in the game.

“We knew it would be very difficult in the first half, but we also knew we had a lot of power coming off the bench,” the coach admitted. “The guys who played in the first 40 did the hard yards for us, and the game opened up nicely for us later.”

Leading 13-7 at half-time, the result was by no means wrapped up, but the damage had been done and all that was needed was calm heads and direction.

“There were a couple of things we spoke about at half-time, one of them was territory,” Everitt explained. “At times we needed to be a bit more conservative because we put ourselves under pressure territory-wise. That resulted in us giving them field position and we couldn’t get out of our half and play for a 15 minute period.

“But the guys stuck to the task and in the second half we earned territory and possession in the right areas of the field and we were able to score from those opportunities.

“We played well from turnover ball, but we also created lots of opportunities and it was really good that we got both our attack and defence right, we’re very happy with the result.

“It was one of those games where the starting line-up did the hard yards, laying the foundation and tiring out the opposition. There was a big impact off the bench.”

The immense presence and contribution from Eben Etzebeth earned him a deserved Man of the Match award and Everitt was full of praise for the debutant.

“There was much to be admired from his all-round performance, what a great start from him. He is one of the best players in the world, if not the best lock in the world and he certainly played like that and justly deserved his man-of-the-match award.

“Eben has fitted in really well, he did his lineout homework – and did it thoroughly because he was outstanding in the lineouts both on attack and defence. He was immense in disrupting their lineout, and we got quality possession from Hyron and Eben on our ball. When your lineout functions, you lay a good foundation to attack.”

Another debutant Vincent Tshituka also gave a strong contribution despite not being 100% right.

“We’re very happy with his performance and although he wasn’t well and wasn’t feeling in the best shape having woken up with gastro symptoms, he was so excited to play and he managed to push through.

“He may not have felt great, but he certainly played well enough on his debut and we’re very proud of him and he can be justifiably proud of himself.”

The post Plenty of Positives appeared first on The Sharks.

The Cell C Sharks returned to Hollywoodbets Kings Park after their three match tour and proved why they’re so dangerous at home when they ran out deserved 40-12 bonus point Vodacom United Rugby Championship winners over Glasgow Warriors.

The Warriors have been in outstanding form at home, unbeaten in Glasgow in a year, but they have struggled on the road and their competitiveness in this game was there until the final half hour when the Cell C Sharks blew them away with an emphatic, committed and energetic effort.

Boeta Chamberlain opened the scoring in the 13th minute after the two teams had hammered away at each other, testing each other’s defence and not finding the gaps. His three-pointer from 45m out was quickly cancelled out with a good try in the midfield, the Warriors’ flank showing a good turn of speed and side-step to score under the posts a couple of minutes later to take a 7-3 lead.

The Cell C Sharks continued to dominate possession as they had for much of the half and were rewarded with a second kickable penalty with Chamberlain making no mistake to cut the Scot lead to one point with 15 minutes of the tight half remaining.

The Cell C Sharks flyhalf was instrumental in the next score, somehow gliding his way through the defence to make the crucial break that set Anthony Volmink up for their team’s first try with just over five minutes remaining, with Chamberlain’s conversion taking them into a 13-7 lead.

They pushed hard in the closing minutes to effect another score to extend their lead, having built up their confidence as the half had progressed, but the Warriors managed to disrupt their maul to prevent another score before the referee blew for half time with the Cell C Sharks enjoying a well-deserved, albeit narrow six point lead.

The much-vaunted maul from the Warrior earned the ultimate prize early in the second half as they quickly set from an attacking lineout and then mauled their way over the tryline for their second try, the conversion going wide to keep the Cell C Sharks in the lead, but just one point now the difference.

As the game hit the final half hour, the Cell C Sharks put together one of the best attacks of the game, the ball staying alive after head coach Sean Everitt had brought on his new front row and quick hands and the ball going out wide quickly found Volmink in space and he put on the after-burners to score his second try. Although the conversion from the corner went marginally wide, the Cell C Sharks had an 18-12 lead.

Chamberlain was on target five minutes later with a penalty to extend the lead to nine points as the Cell C Sharks’ confidence continued to grow.

This was never more evident when the forwards returned the favour of the Warriors’ earlier effort with an outstanding maul try after the visitors had been penalised on defence and the kick to the corner earned the prize.

Chamberlain’s conversion from out wide took the Cell C Sharks into a formidable lead, 28-12 ahead with just under a quarter of the game remaining.

The bonus point try came with just over 10 minutes remaining, the Cell C Sharks intent really earning the rewards they deserved and their intensity on attack catching the Warriors in all kinds of trouble. After keeping the ball alive, Jaden Hendrikse kicked the ball ahead, it bounced off a defender and into the hands of Aphelele Fassi who wasn’t going to be stopped. Chamberlain converted and a 35-12 lead was never going to be overhauled.

Such was their dominance and sheer exuberance that they came agonisingly close to scoring another two tries as the game wound down.

It was a dream return home and there can be no more praise than the fact that they took the game two and a half minutes into extra time when they could have closed the match off earlier, instead chasing another try simply for the joy of it.

The ball was kept alive wonderfully before Chamberlain sent a kick to space for Werner Kok to chase, he collected the ball inches from the line before cantering over to score the final try of a truly entertaining game.

Eben Etzebeth was a deserving Man of the Match for his gargantuan 80 minute effort on debut.

The post Dominant Performance at Home appeared first on The Sharks.

The Cell C Sharks play their first home game in this year’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship campaign when they host the Glasgow Warriors from Scotland at Hollywoodbets Kings Park this afternoon.

Cell C Sharks head coach Sean Everitt avoided the temptation to throw all of his returning Springboks into the starting line-up to bolster the team against a very strong Warriors’ side, instead playing most of the Boks off the bench.

“We’ve been away for three weeks and the Boks came back into training last week after a week off, so it was an integration period for them because there hadn’t been any opportunity for them to train with the team before this week,” Everitt explained of his motivation behind the team selection.

“We know that cohesion is important, we also know that making too many changes at once can disrupt things a bit, so it was part of our plan to play some of the Boks off the bench, but at the same time it’s also to reward some of the players who have played extremely well for us while we’ve been overseas.”

The coach believes that the impact off the bench is likely to play a huge role in the game.

“Looking at our front row stocks, we’re blessed with the quality of players we have, and then to be able to call on the likes of Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi and Carlu Sadie certainly helps our cause. Then we have the leadership of Siya Kolisi and Makazole Mapimpi who is a leader in his own right.

“It makes for a strong matchday 23. A good start is crucial to getting a victory over Glasgow and cohesion plays a big part in that and that’s why we’re phasing in our Springboks.”

Then of course there’s the Eben Etzebeth factor.

“Like his fellow Boks, he’s world class and we know he’s the best lock in the world,” Everitt admitted. “It’s great to have him and it’s one of the reasons why we’re starting him because we feel we can improve our lineout and Eben will bring a lot there as well as his ball-carrying ability.

“He’s very excited to be a part of the Cell C Sharks, he has settled in with us well and made Durban his home. He certainly does bring a wealth of experience to the team and leadership, and the younger guys are learning from him.

“He’s in a good place and everyone has made him feel welcome; he certainly looks at home.”

Another new face sees Vincent Tshituka earning his first cap for the Cell C Sharks in the back row.

“He’s struggled with injuries of late, so we’re very happy to see him making his return,” Everitt said. “He does bring a different dimension, he was a top loose forward in the URC last season, achieving a number of man of the match awards, so we’re certainly excited to see what he can bring.”

The Warriors come to Durban off the back of a good win over the Vodacom Bulls last week and Everitt warned that they will be tough. But ultimately, the Cell C Sharks are looking inward and at delivering a match-winning performance, rather than focusing too much on their opponents.

“They have an extremely good lineout with some tall timber, so they’re a threat here and it’s something we learned when we played them last season in Glasgow.

“They like to play a speed game, they like to move the ball around and we’re expecting a big tussle. We know the challenge we have with Glasgow, but I’m sure that coming to Hollywoodbets Kings Park is going to be a challenge for them as well.

“What we need to improve on is the areas we struggled in last week – our defence at the back. It’s about us getting our rugby fundamentals right and executing, we’ve got certain areas of our game right from week to week, but there has been some inconsistency, so for us, it’s about focusing on what we can do.”

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