Sharks head coach Sean Everitt has made only two changes to the starting lineup for their Currie Cup semi-final against Griquas in Durban on Saturday.
In his efforts to maintain continuity, Everitt effected only two changes to last week’s side – one among the forwards and the other in the backline.
Dylan Richardson has returned to start at openside flank, with James Venter dropping out of the match-day squad entirely after starting in last week’s final round-robin game against Western Province.
In the only other change, Marius Louw takes over from Murray Koster at inside centre, joining Jeremy Ward in midfield.
Everitt was full of praise for the team from Kimberley as he looked ahead to the big match, warning that they will present formidable opposition to his team’s quest for silverware.
“They’ve done exceptionally well under Scott Mathie to get into the semi-finals, they’ve been consistent throughout the competition, week in and week out, and they’ve rolled over the big boys on a couple of occasions. They’ve beaten the Lions, Western Province as well as the Sharks, so we know this is a big challenge.”
While Everitt warned that Griquas pose a massive threat, he backed his team to achieve the necessary result if they perform to their ability.
“The last time they came to Durban, they had a good outing against us and won that game 37-30. So, we are going to have to prepare well but if we do stick to the plan and we play according to our potential, we should be in the final.”
The Cell C Sharks enjoyed a successful campaign during the pool stages of this year’s Carling Currie Cup, enough to secure the home semi-final that sees them hosting the Tafel Lager Griquas at Jonsson Kings Park on Saturday.
Full team: https://t.co/XSaRweHiDB#SHAVGRI pic.twitter.com/p9viu7tVoE
— The Sharks (@TheSharksZA) September 2, 2021
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images