Journeyman Fred Zeilinga has answered the SOS of the Cell C Sharks as they were hit by a flyhalf crisis ahead of their tour of Europe.
The team departed on Monday for the first away leg of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship where they will face Italian side Zebre in their opening match of the tournament after having a bye in week one of the competition.
Zeilinga started his professional career at the Sharks before moving to a number of clubs, including the Toyota Cheetahs and Emirates Lions, the latter being his last stop before he was released from a short term contract. He also played for the Canon Eagles in the Japanese league.
Zeilinga, who went to school at Glenwood, will be well-versed with the Sharks setup and should slot in quite easily given their issues at the moment.
The Sharks lost two of their flyhalves in Curwin Bosch and Lionel Cronje before the tour after both picked up injuries during the pre-season.
Bosch suffered a hand fracture during the pre-season matches, while Cronje has a forearm fracture and both players are expected to be out for between 6-8 weeks.
The team named both a 28-man touring squad as well as a 50-man group for the URC competition this season and Zeilinga’s name was in both categories.
Thomas du Toit will continue to captain the side as they embark on their second year in the URC and their first into European Cup fixtures as well.
On Friday evening the team play Zebre at Stadio Lanfranchi before heading off to Wales and Ireland for matches against the Dragons and Leinster respectively.
The Cell C Sharks will play their first home game at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on October 15th, when they welcome the Glasgow Warriors to Durban
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Cell C Sharks Squad
Backs: Thaakir Abrahams, Lukhanyo Am, Curwin Bosch, Boeta Chamberlain, Lionel Cronje, Aphelele Fassi, Nevaldo Fleurs, Jaden Hendrikse, Rohan Janse van Rensburg, Eduan Keyter, Werner Kok, Murray Koster, Makazole Mapimpi, Zee Mkhabela, Yaw Penxe, Marnus Potgieter, Ben Tapuai, Anthony Volminck, Grant Williams, Cameron Wright, Fred Zeilinga.
Forwards: Lourens Adriaanse, Hyron Andrews, Justin Basson, Thembelani Bholi, Dian Bleuler, Phepsi Buthelezi, Thomas du Toit (captain), Eben Etzebeth, Gerbrandt Grobler, Celimpilo Gumede, Reniel Hugo, Hanru Jacobs, Dan Jooste, Siya Kolisi, Jeandre Labuschagne, Tinotenda Mavesere, Fez Mbatha, Bongi Mbonambi, Kutha Mchunu, Nthuthuko Mchunu, Khwezi Mona, Ox Nche, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Dylan Richardson, Le Roux Roets, Carlu Sadie, Vincent Tshituka, Kerron van Vuuren, Henco Venter, James Venter.
Sharks 28-man touring squad
Forwards: Daniel Jooste, Fez Mbatha, Kerron van Vuuren, Nthuthuko Mchunu, Dian Bleuler, Thomas du Toit (capt), Hanru Jacobs, Carlu Sadie, Daniel Hugo, Justin Basson, Hyron Andrews, Gerbrandt Grobler, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Phepsi Buthelezi, Dylan Richardson.
Backs: Grant Williams, Cameron Wright, Zee Mkhabela, Boeta Chamberlain, Ben Tapuai, Rohan Janse van Rensburg, Marnus Potgieter, Werner Kok, Thaakir Abrahams, Anthony Volminck, Aphelele Fassi, Fred Zeilinga.
The following players were not considered for tour selection due to injury: Curwin Bosch, Eduan Keyter, Henco Venter, Jeandre Labuschagne, Khutha Mchunu, Le Roux Roets, Lionel Cronje, Mpilo Gumede, Murray Koster, Tinotenda Mavesere,Vincent Tshituka