Cell C Sharks vs. Emirates Lions
| Date | Saturday, 30 June 2018 |
| Time | 17h15 |
| Venue | JONSSON KINGS PARK, Durban |
| Referee | Jaco Peyper |
| Assistant Referees | AJ Jacobs, Stuart Berry |
| Television Match Official | Marius Jonker |
Vodacom Super Rugby action returns this weekend with the Cell C Sharks hosting the Emirates Lions in what is shaping out to be a massive contest between the sides at JONSSON KINGS PARK on Saturday.
Head coach Robert du Preez has had no hesitation in throwing his Springbok players back into action as they look to take the confidence out of the Test series win over England into Vodacom Super Rugby.
One of those is wing Sbu Nkosi who put in one outstanding performance for the Springboks after another.
The 22-year-old set the international rugby scene alight with some electric performances for the Springboks in the Test series against England and now can’t wait to get stuck into Vodacom Super Rugby action again.
Looking back, he admits that June was a very memorable month for him, having made his Springbok debut and a start of what should be a long and rewarding international career.
“I haven’t really had time to reflect yet because my focus is on the next job and to perform at my highest standard,” he explains. “But it was a great time for me, even if I must put it behind me and shift my attention to playing for my franchise.
“As a rugby player, I believe I’ve grown a lot, skill-wise and conditioning, the high intensity training can only benefit me in Super Rugby. Also, being around good men with lots of experience, I’ve grown personally too: how to conduct myself in the team environment.”
On Saturday, some of the players he has enormous amounts of respect for will be sworn enemies from the Lions’ camp.
“This is business, nothing personal,” he admits. “It’s my franchise against yours and we’ll put friendship aside for now until after the game. It’s game on, especially when you are passionate about your union.”
There is plenty of motivation to beat the top South African side; the Lions have enjoyed a run of success against local sides stretching back a couple of seasons now.
“Their successes against the other franchises isn’t something we’ve spoken about in the camp, but inside all of us we know we’ve owed the Lions one for a while now.
“It’s a big South African derby, we all expect fireworks when the Sharks play the Lions, but we’re all up for it.”
Not only is it about pride but also the fact that the Cell C Sharks are playing for a place in the knock-out rounds too.
“That’s good motivation, especially as we know everything is still in our hands and we’re not dependant on any other results to influence our qualification. It’s a good reason to keep it tight and win this game.”
Cell C Sharks
15. Curwin Bosch
14. Sbu Nkosi
13. Lukhanyo Am
12. Andre Esterhuizen
11. Makazole Mapimpi
10. Robert du Preez
9. Cameron Wright
8. Daniel du Preez
7. Jean-Luc du Preez
6. Philip van der Walt
5. Ruan Botha (c)
4. Tyler Paul
3. Thomas du Toit
2. Akker van der Merwe
1. Tendai Mtawarira
Replacements
16. Chiliboy Ralepelle
17. Juan Schoeman
18. Ross Geldenhuys
19. Hyron Andrews
20. Jacques Vermeulen
21. Louis Schreuder
22. Marius Louw
23. Lwazi Mvovo
SharksFest
This Saturday is the 2nd edition of SharksFest at JONSSON KINGS PARK, with loads of activities for the entire family.SharksFest focuses on more than just rugby and aims to highlight the matchday experience.There is a Buy One Get One free ticketing special on the day and families are encouraged to join us for a great day of entertainment.
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