The Cell C Sharks will look to take the positives they gathered in last week’s Currie Cup match when they travel to Bloemfontein to take on the high-riding Toyota Free State team on Friday.

Cell C Sharks Currie Cup head coach Joey Mongalo has made a number of changes to his side in this final game of the first round, mostly rotational to give those with plenty of game time an opportunity to freshen up – but still play a role – and delivering game time to those who will welcome the chance to shine.

He has rotated his front row; Khwezi Mona, Fez Mbatha and Khutha Mchunu swapping jerseys with Dian Bleuler, Dan Jooste and Hanro Jacobs respectively.

Ockie Barnard shifts to lock to replace Reniel Hugo, with the captaincy taken over by James Venter and his namesake Henco returning to the side, playing at eighthman.

Amongst the backs, Lionel Cronje starts for Fred Zeilinga at flyhalf while Marnus Potgieter comes onto the wing and Yaw Penxe takes over from Phikolomzi Sobahle who, like Murray Koster, gets a breather this week, playing off the bench. Alwayno Visagie comes in for Koster at centre in the final change to the starting XV.

“The team was gutted after that loss against the Bulls, especially so in fighting their way back to within a try of winning the game after being 19-3 down at half-time,” Mongalo explains.

“It was difficult to process after they worked so hard, but some soft moments against the Bulls let them in and we had to work really hard for our points which is discouraging. But to come back from 19-3 and potentially win the game was very encouraging.

“We need to find a way of life where we can win games like that, rather than come close, and there’s no greater opportunity than against Free State away.”

Free State have a very good record and the history of games between these two sides has always been filled with drama.

“I told the guys this week that playing Free State is the test match of the Currie Cup. They have everything: a good set-piece, an incredible kicking game and they attack well.

“It’s definitely a challenge we’re looking forward to, against a team that is, by far, favourites for this game and we go there with the continued aim of presenting The Sharks brand well.”

Cell C Sharks
1. Khwezi Mona
2. Fez Mbatha
3. Khutha Mchunu
4. Corne Rahl
5. Ockie Barnard
6. Tinotenda Mavesere
7. James Venter (c)
8. Henco Venter
9. Bradley Davids
10. Lionel Cronje
11. Marnus Potgieter
12. Alwayno Visagie
13. Joshua Jonas
14. Yaw Penxe
15. Nevaldo Fleurs

Replacements
16. Dan Jooste
17. Dian Bleuler
18. Hanro Jacobs
19. Marco de Witt
20. Dylan Richardson
21. Tiaan Fourie
22. Murray Koster
23. Phikolomzi Sobahle

Photo by Laszlo Geczo/INPHO/Shutterstock/BackpagePix