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
- Ox Nche
- Bongi Mbonambi
- Carlu Sadie
- Vincent Tshituka
- Gerbrandt Grobler
- Sikhumbuzo Notshe
- Jeandre Labuschagne
- Phepsi Buthelezi (c)
- Jaden Hendrikse
- Curwin Bosch
- Makazole Mapimpi
- Ben Tapuai
- Francois Venter
- Marnus Potgieter
- 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