The Cell C Sharks team named to take on the Emirates Lions in Johannesburg in this weekend’s return leg Vodacom United Rugby Championship has been bolstered by the return of a number of players.

Director of Rugby Neil Powell has selected a six-two split on the bench, an acknowledgement of just how physical he expects this game to be and the confrontation he anticipates from the Lions, and to this end welcomes the return of Vincent Tshituka and Dylan Richardson from injury, the pair playing off the bench and no doubt will bring impetus and energy to the team when they’re given the opportunity to get stuck in.

In changes to the side that played the DHL Stormers in the last game, Dan Jooste replaces Kerron van Vuuren at hooker and Hyron Andrews makes way for Reniel Hugo at lock, in the only changes to the pack.

In the backline, Grant Williams returns to action, with Cameron Wright playing off the bench while Francois Venter takes over from Ben Tapuai who is the other backline player amongst the replacements.

The final change sees Werner Kok back from injury, replacing Marnus Potgieter on the wing.

The Cell C Sharks will feed off the confidence gained out of their first round derby match at Hollywoodbets Kings Park in December last year, a 37-10, five try to one bonus point victory, but will also understand the need – as well as accept the challenge – to deliver a comprehensive performance that ticks all the boxes.

Cell C Sharks:

Ntuthuko Mchunu, Dan Jooste, Carlu Sadie, Reniel Hugo, Gerbrandt Grobler, James Venter, Henco Venter, Phepsi Buthelezi (c), Grant Williams, Curwin Bosch, Thaakir Abrahams, Rohan Janse van Rensburg, Francois Venter, Werner Kok, Aphelele Fassi.

Replacements:

Fez Mbatha, Dian Bleuler, Hanro Jacobs, Vincent Tshituka, Dylan Richardson, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Cameron Wright, Ben Tapuai.

Photo by Steve Haag Sports/INPHO/Shutterstock/BackpagePix