Considering that they have so many Springboks unavailable there are surprisingly minimal changes to the Cell C Sharks starting team for Sunday’s crucial Vodacom United Rugby Championship derby against the Bulls at Loftus - but there is a caveat that needs to be added.
While the Sharks team doesn’t differ too much from the one that played against Glasgow Warriors two weeks ago, which is the last time the Sharks got onto the field, it does differ significantly from the full strength side that was selected for last week’s clash with Ulster. Meaning the team that didn’t get to play.
And while there is some continuity from the Glasgow game, which was the Sharks’ first URC game at home this season, that applies only to the starting team. What won that game so handsomely for the hosts was the contribution of the bench, which that day included top Springboks like Siya Kolisi, Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche and Makazole Mapimpi.
For obvious reasons none of those players are available this week, and neither is Eben Etzebeth, who made such a strong debut for the Sharks against Glasgow. Gerbrandt Grobler’s return at lock for Etzebeth is the only change from the starting pack in the Glasgow game.
Also out this week is Bok scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse, so Cameron Wright comes into the No 9 jersey as one of three changes at the back. The other changes aren’t Bok call-up related, with Thaakir Abrahams coming in for Anthony Volmink on the wing - Volmink started against the Warriors with Mapimpi coming on off the bench - and seven times Bok capped Francois Venter, the Sharks’ newest signing, making it into the team for his debut at outside centre ahead of Marnus Potgieter, who drops to the bench.
Cell C Sharks team: Aphelele Fassi, Werner Kok, Francois Venter, Ben Tapuai, Thaakir Abrahams, Boeta Chamberlain, Cameron Wright, Phepsi Buthelezi, Vincent Tshituka, Dylan Richardson, Hyron Andrews, Gerbrandt Grobler, Thomas du Toit (captain), Kerron van Vuuren, Ntuthuko Mchunu. Replacements: Dan Jooste, Dian Bleuler, Carlu Sadie, Justin Basson, James Venter, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Grant Williams, Marnus Potgieter.