It is a fitting acknowledgement of his contribution to the team, as well as the respect he is held in – both by team-mates and opponents – and his lead by example role will certainly set the tone for this crucial match.

Getting their campaign off to a solid start is crucial. Success from the get go produces confidence and an opportunity to build momentum as the season progresses.  There is little doubt that the three major focus points will be on getting the basics right, not surrendering the ball when they have possession, and when they don’t, delivering uncompromising defence of their line.

Coenie Oosthuizen (tighthead) and Willie Le Roux (fullback) are the new faces in the team and Director of Rugby Gary Gold has not hesitated in selecting them. The pair will add considerable experience gained at an international level.

Lock Hyron Andrews is the only unfamiliar face at this level, but he has been biding his time coming through the ranks and will relish the opportunity that has come his way.  Twins Daniel and Jean-Luc du Preez are fairly new to the set-up but proving to be men for the big occasion and the pair will certainly look to dominate.

Andre Esterhuizen and Paul Jordaan continue a midfield partnership that has really flourished over the last few months and could provide lots of spark on attack, while both are exceptional defenders.

The match kicks off at 3.05pm on Saturday and expectations from the fans and players will not be too dissimilar – to deliver a performance to be proud of.

The Cell C Sharks

15. Willie Le Roux	Replacements:
14. Odwa Ndungane	16. Kyle Cooper
13. Paul Jordaan	17. Juan Schoeman
12. Andre Esterhuizen	18. Lourens Adriaanse
11. Lwazi Mvovo	19. Dave McDuling
10. Joe Pietersen	20. Philip van der Walt
9. Cobus Reinach	21. Michael Claassens
8. Daniel du Preez	22. Garth April
7. Jean-Luc du Preez	23. S’bura Sithole
6. Marcell Coetzee
5. Hyron Andrews
4. Etienne Oosthuizen
3. Coenie Oosthuizen
2. Franco Marais
1. Tendai Mtawarira (Captain)