The Cell C Sharks go into their second round Currie Cup clash against the NovaVit Griffons in Welkom on Friday afternoon looking to maintain their grip on a home semi-final as the competition nears the knock-out stages.

Forwards coach Philip Lemmer acknowledges that his charges have been in sterling form of late with the platform laid by the forwards doing much to set up a run of five straight victories in recent past.

“The forwards have put in a lot of hard work, one thing they pride themselves on is being obedient to the call and to the system and we know that amongst the forwards in particular, unity is key.

“If eight guys aren’t doing the same thing at the same time, that’s when you get exposed,” Lemmer explains. “The senior guys have led the way and taken ownership and they make sure that the work we do during the week shows on the weekend. They know that it is their job and responsibility to give the backs the best possible ball.

“So far that’s going well.”

He adds that the focus is on: “Finishing the race to the end and that this week’s game is one we have to do well in. The Griffons, in Welkom, are tough. They beat the Bulls there, Province only just won there, so we acknowledge that it is a difficult game for us.

“It’s important that we do the job well this weekend.”

With the desire to keep the same side intact but also to bolster the depth, head coach Joey Mongalo and had the good fortune of bringing Rohan Janse van Rensburg back into action where he slots in at his familiar inside centre position, while VURC regulars Ntuthuko Mchunu, Vincent Tshituka and Sikhumbuzo Notshe add major firepower off the bench.

Cell C Sharks
1. Dian Bleuler
2. Dameon Venter
3. Khutha Mchunu
4. Ockie Barnard
5. Reniel Hugo (c)
6. Dylan Richardson
7. James Venter
8. Celimpilo Gumede
9. Bradley Davids
10. Lionel Cronje
11. Marnus Potgieter
12. Rohan Janse van Rensburg
13. Murray Koster
14. Yaw Penxe
15. Nevaldo Fleurs

Replacements
16. Fez Mbatha
17. Ntuthuko Mchunu
18. Hanro Jacobs
19. Marco de Witt
20. Vincent Tshituka
21. Sikhumbuzo Notshe
22. Tiaan Fourie
23. Aphelele Fassi

Photo by Jana Kotze/BackpagePix