With the Currie Cup entering the final stretch before the playoffs, the Sharks will be fully focused when Griquas visit Kings Park on Saturday.
SHARKS COACH SEAN EVERITT HAS MADE SEVERAL CHANGES
Sharks head coach Sean Everitt has once again had to implement several changes to the team for the weekend’s clash.
Everitt is loathe to use the Covid-19-enforced disruptions as an excuse because all teams are in the same boat. Nevertheless there can be no denying that being unable to pick the same team each week plays a big part in continuity.
“We’ve struggled with consistency in our selection due to Covid protocols and with injuries, it’s not ideal changing your team week after week and we’re losing important people as we go along,” explained Everitt.
“But that’s a problem all the teams are facing.”
Three changes to the tight five see Fezokhule Mbatha, Michael Kumbirai and JJ van der Mescht all given starts with Thembelani Bholi also coming into the starting line-up.
ONE CHANGE IN THE SHARKS BACKLINE
There is just one change at the back with Aphelele Fassi starting in place of Manie Libbok who left the field early after taking a knock last week, but has recovered sufficiently to be named on the bench.
“It’s been frustrating, winning certain aspects of the game like territory and possession, line breaks, the gainline battle, but we’ve struggled in the set-piece and individual skill error,” Everitt added.
“We need to cut out those individual errors so we can put together a complete performance.
“It’s going to be a physical battle against Griquas – as always. We know what we’re going to get from the Griquas, they’ll be fired up but we’re a determined group.
“We’ve set ourselves goals and high standards and I expect our team to bounce back and do well this weekend.”
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The Sharks are currently fourth in the standings and will be favoured to pick up a full-house of five points from the Griquas match.
However, should they slip up, they will face a must-win clash against WP down at Newlands in the final week of group action.
Griquas are bottom of the standings and out of the running for a semi-final place.
TEAMS:
Sharks
15. Aphelele Fassi, 14. Werner Kok, 13. Lukhanyo Am (captain), 12. Jeremy Ward, 11. Yaw Penxe, 10. Curwin Bosch, 9. Jaden Hendrikse, 8. Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7. Thembelani Bholi, 6. Henco Venter, 5. Ruben van Heerden, 4. JJ van der Mescht, 3. Michael Kumbirai, 2. Fezokuhle Mbatha, 1. Ox Nche
Substitutes: 16. Dan Jooste,17. Kwezi Mona,18. Hanru Jacobs, 19. Aston Fortuin, 20. Dylan Richardson, 21. Sanele Nohamba, 22. Manie Libbok, 23. Anthony Volmink
Griquas
TBA
