Cobus Reinach

The Cell C Sharks host the Steval Pumas in their return leg ABSA Currie Cup match at Growthpoint Kings Park on Saturday, looking to use a number of factors to their advantage to reverse the 1st Round result.

Although that victory was something of a shock, the Pumas are a tough prospect at home and in the 1st Round, were able to use continuity following their Vodacom Cup success to overcome a new-look Cell C Sharks side, missing many players.

But that was a month ago and the team have been able to build continuity and develop partnerships and combinations and they will be looking for a growth in improvement as well as home ground advantage to see off the visitors from Mpumalanga.

Odwa Ndungane has been ruled out of the match with a rib joint sprain and has been joined on the sidelines by Michael Claassens who suffered a lower back contusion in last week’s clash with the EP Kings.

Lourens Adriaanse, Khaya Majola, Jean Deysel and SP Marais are also unavailable due to injury.

Ndungane has been replaced by Wandile Mjekevu while Cobus Reinach is handed the scrumhalf jersey.

When Kyle Cooper comes on off the bench, he will be featuring in his 50th ABSA Currie Cup for the Cell C Sharks.

In reflecting on this match and taking into consideration the strengths of the opposition, Director of Rugby, Gary Gold said, “Physicality is going to be a critical element against the Pumas.  They are not a massively elaborate team, but what they do, they do well.”

Cell C Sharks: 15 Joe Pietersen, 14 Wandile Mjekevu, 13 Paul Jordaan, 12 André Esterhuizen, 11 S’bura Sithole, 10 Lionel Cronje, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Philip van der Walt, 7 Dan du Preez, 6 Francois Kleinhans, 5 Marco Wentzel (Captain), 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Gerhard Engelbrecht, 2 Monde Hadebe, 1 Dale Chadwick
Replacements: 16 Kyle Cooper, 17 Thomas du Toit, 18 JC Astle, 19 Jean-Luc du Preez, 20 Stefan Ungerer, 21 Heimar Williams, 22 Garth April.

Date: Saturday 5 September
Venue: Growthpoint Kings Park, Durban
Kick-Off: 15:00 SA Time (13:00 GMT)
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen
Assistant Referees: Craig Joubert, Jason Jaftha
TMO: Marius Jonker