Sharks rely on strong backline for Currie Cup opener

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Joey Mongalo made some interesting selections as he named his team to face the Griffons in Round one of the 2023 Currie Cup.

Mongalo has a mix of players at his disposal, having URC players available to help blend with some juniors as well as those out of the club ranks.

The coach has entrusted Sharks centre Murray Koster with the captain’s armband for the first fixture.

“We have quite a combination of players in our team, there are some players with URC experience, some under 21 players and some from the club system, so we have a wide array of players who haven’t played together and have only trained three or four times together because of the dynamic nature of the Currie Cup set-up; always different, always changing,” explains Mongalo.

“The biggest challenge for us is to see how quickly the group finds cohesion and connection. We’ve been working hard off the field to connect because we haven’t had the opportunity on the field and hopefully that’s an outcome that comes sooner rather than later.

“We have a few experienced guys in the backline and we will rely on them to give us direction and structure.”

Although the Griffons are one of the smaller unions, as last year’s tournament showed, with the final contested between the Pumas and Griquas, the gap is closing and the traditionally ‘bigger unions’ are being thoroughly tested on this stage.

“The Griffons have played a number of friendly matches in preparation for the Currie Cup so they will be well-prepared for this match,” Mongalo warns. “They’ve been together for four months preparing so they will be a well-oiled unit.

“We expect them to be strong defensively, with a strong set-piece and that translates into an organised team, one we cannot even think about underestimating.”

Sharks: 15 Nevaldo Fleurs, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Marnus Potgieter, 12 Murray Koster (captain), 11 Anthony Volmink, 10 Lionel Cronje, 9 Zee Mkhabela, 8 Celimpilo Gumede, 7 Siyambuku Ningiza, 6 Tino Mavesere, 5 Ockie Barnard, 4 Thembelani Bholi, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Khwezi Mona.

Replacements: 16 Masikane Mazwi, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Khutha Mchunu, 19 Athenkosi Khetahani, 20 Marco de Wit, 21 Damien Royal, 22 Bradley Davids, 23 Alwayno Visagie.

Date: Saturday, March 11

Venue: Kings Park, Durban

Kick-off: 13:30 (11.30 GMT)

Referee: Christopher Allison

TMO: Archie Sehlako