A tricky task awaits the Sharks, who travel to Kimberly for their next Super Rugby Unlocked fixture, where they come up against a Griquas side desperate to get off the mark in the competition.
The hosts occupy the bottom spot in the table, with just two bonus points sparing their blushes in what has been a disappointing start to the season for a side many would have expected to claim a big scalp or two.
Griquas vs Sharks: match preview
The Griquas are up against a Sharks side that secured a narrow victory at home to the Cheetahs in their last outing.
On that occasion, Sean Everitt’s men were skippered by flanker Henco Venter in the absence of centre Lukhanyo Am, and will step onto the field on Friday with a third different captain in Jeremy Ward.
There is also a debut in the camp in fullback Anthony Volmink, who starts against his former side.
The Sharks have lost just once in the competition, and are in third place in the standings.
Match day squads
Griquas: 15 Masixole Banda, 14 Ederies Arendse, 13 Harlon Klaasen, 12 Johnathan Francke, 11 Eduan Keyter, 10 George Whitehead (captain), 9 Zak Burger, 8 Johan Momsen, 7 Stefan Willemse, 6 Gideon van der Merwe, 5 Cameron Lindsay, 4 Adre Smith, 3 Ewald van der Westhuizen, 2 HJ Luus, 1 Mox Mxoli. Replacements (from): Monde Hadebe, Andrew Beerwinkel, Madot Mabokela, Carl Els, CJ Velleman, Theo Maree, Tinus de Beer, Daniel Kasende, Bandisa Ndlovu, Ewan Coetzee, Ashlon Davids.
Sharks: 15 Anthony Volmink, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Jeremy Ward (captain), 12 Marius Louw, 11 Madosh Tambwe, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Sanele Nohamba, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Thembelani Bholi, 6 James Venter, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 John-Hubert Meyer, 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 1 Ox Nche. Replacements: 16 Daniel Jooste, 17 Mzamo Majola, 18 Khwezi Mona, 19 JJ van der Mescht, 20 Dylan Richardson, 21 Cameron Wright, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Sbu Nkosi
Kick-off time and match info
Time: 19:00
Venue: Tafel Lager Park, Kimberley
Referee: Griffin Colby
Assistant referees: Rasta Rasivhenge, Paul Mente
Television Match Official: Jaco Peyper
TV: SuperSport Rugby and Grandstand (Subscription required)
Griquas vs Sharks prediction
The Griquas come off a hammering at home, and are more than likely set for another one against the men from Durban.
We predict an easy win for the Sharks by at least 25 points.
