Jake White has named his Sharks line-up to face the Bulls at Kings Park this weekend. Ryan Kankowski starts in the number 8 jersey, with Willem Alberts preferred to Jean Deysel at blindside flank.
White had been true to his word in keeping the team virtually unchanged after Friday night’s good warm-up performance against the Lions. Deysel, who has had a bit of time off this week due to the birth of son Zanru, will play off the bench, as Marcell Coetzee completes the all-Springbok back row. In fact, Anton Bresler, picked at number 4, is the only non-capped member of the starting pack, with Boks galore in the form of Beast Mtawarira, Pieter-Steph du Toit and the du Plessis brothers.
Cobus Reinach retains the number 9 jersey ahead of benched Charl McLeod, in a backline that is unchanged and features Pat Lambie and Frans Steyn in the all-important 10-12 axis. Paul Jordaan, Odwa Ndungane, Lwazi Mvovo and SP Marais complete the starting line-up, one which boasts 11 Springboks in total. There are no Super Rugby debutants in the starting fifteen for the Sharks.
On the bench, Kyle Cooper, Dale Chadwick and Lourens Adriaanse will provide front-row cover, the last-named making his Super Rugby debute for the Sharks, having played for the Cheetahs last year. Stephan Lewies, in jersey 19, is uncapped at this level, as is backline replacement Heimar Williams. S’bura Sithole completes the match 23, after impressing at centre against the Lions. He will look to add to his tally of just two Super Rugby caps, won in 2013.
The Cell C Sharks
15. SP Marais (Marshall Security Crusaders)
14. Odwa Ndungane (Varsity College RFC)
13. Paul Jordaan (Varsity College RFC)
12. Frans Steyn (SA Home Loans Durban Collegians)
11. Lwazi Mvovo (Ricoh PMB Collegians)
10. Patrick Lambie (Jonsson College Rovers)
9. Cobus Reinach (SA Home Loans Durban Collegians)
8. Ryan Kankowski (Amanzimtoti Rugby Club)
7. Willem Alberts (SA Home Loans Durban Collegians)
6. Marcell Coetzee (SA Home Loans Durban Collegians)
5. Pieter-Steph du Toit (Jonsson College Rovers)
4. Anton Bresler (Jonsson College Rovers)
3. Jannie du Plessis (Marshall Security Crusaders)
2. Bismarck du Plessis (Captain) (Marshall Security Crusaders)
1. Tendai Mtawarira (Jonsson College Rovers)
Replacements
16. Kyle Cooper (Jonsson College Rovers)
17. Dale Chadwick (Ricoh PMB Collegians)
18. Lourens Adriaanse (Amanzimtoti Rugby Club)
19. Stephan Lewies (Amanzimtoti Rugby Club)
20. Jean Deysel (Marshall Security Crusaders)
21. Charl McLeod (Varsity College RFC)
22. Heimar Williams (SA Home Loans Durban Collegians)
23. S’bura Sithole (UKZN Impi)
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Not bad. Certainly not far off from what I would pick.
Bulls wil be huffing and puffing by 30 MINS. A strong, flair, physicality laden side.
Good side, i like it! Solid Bench as well. Pity rugby isnt played on paper. And yes there could always be arguments for the guys left out. But trust me they will get their turn. Fully behind the side.
Here we go!!!!
that’s a good side glad kanko gets a start like sheldonk said hope they that good on the field and not just paper
Great Team – Beat bulls by 15+
Only concern is lineouts – Bressler’s fitness ?
Go sharks !!!!!
Really like the look of this team! I think that Deysel to replace Alberts is partly a tactical move to ensure that we have a Captain on the field when/if Bismarck gets subbed.
Though it can’t be nice for any team after getting battered by Alberts for 50 odd minutes to then have to deal with a fresh Deysel.
With the possible exception of Reinach I`ve got no complaints.
So Kanko’s conditioning not a problem this time around?
Amazing what a change in management can do to the perceived conditioning of a player. 😉
@Original Pierre (Comment 8) : Ditto
@FireTheLooser (Comment 9) : Maybe JW likes his players well rounded 🙂
Wonder when fred will get his chance?
I get chills down my spine with this team, go Sharkies.
Can’t wait till Saturday
Not too many surprises. My only concern is Reinach over Mcleod.
pretty much the same back line Plum wanted to use last year until the injuries started in the warm up game in pmb.
@Uli Boelie (Comment 15) : This is pretty much the same backline that your average Shark loving supporter would have loved to use, yet that makes none of us wc winning coaches, now does it.
@Uli Boelie (Comment 15) : and the fact that the Kings wouldn’t let him pick Marais 🙂
I’m trying to think of selections I would have preferred to the current team but I’m coming up blank. Starting to like this Jake White oke.
ons het hulle
@robdylan (Comment 17) : How inconsiderate of them
My only concern is if Lambie goes down, who takes over at 10? Steyn im guessing
Would liked to have seen Esterhuizen and Swiel on the bench
@Saffex (Comment 22) : Esterhuizen got KOed in a practise game last week so doubt he is cleared to play. JW went Williams over Swiel…
@SheldonK (Comment 21) : Marais can also cover in a pinch.
@SheldonK (Comment 23) : Who KOed him?
Good team this.
But surprised at Williams on the bench. Would have thought Fisher (13/15), Swiel (10/15), or Zeilinga (9/10) would offer more x-factor and versatility as a sub.
@vanmartin (Comment 24) : I didnt know he had played 10. I know Jordaan has played 10 for the Vodacom Cup side before and u21s. Or they could put Deysel at 10…
@Saffex (Comment 25) : Was the Rovers v Vodacom Cup game. Apparently he was asking where he was on the side of the field and looked seriously out of it. I heard from guys watching that the 2 sides really went at it…lots of bruising hits and sum blood.
@Big Fish (Comment 26) : Fisher is injured, but let’s give Heimar credit… he’s delivered every time he’s been given the jersey.
@SheldonK (Comment 28) : Ah ok thanks
@robdylan (Comment 29) : Agreed, Williams is good, I rate him, he wont let the side down and its also good to see Sithole gaining some recognition eventually…..I will never forget the Blitzbok try he scored to win the game in the last play of the game.
@SheldonK (Comment 21) : Frans will move to 10 and Williams would come in at 12
@Saffex (Comment 32) : Yeh I figure as much.
Also thought Kanko would be eased into the think of things. Cobus? Very concerned by his slow service. Hope he has improved and knows that he has to master the basics of scrumhalf play.
@SheldonK (Comment 27) : He hasn’t as far as I know but he has a decent boot. He kicked a few conversions during his time at the Kings. He should do okay (if there’s no one else available)
@robdylan (Comment 29) :
He’s a pretty useful player. But not sure he offers the kind of impact SR requires.
My only concerns being Reinach ahead of McLeod, and Lambie’s place kicking seems a bit wobbly at the moment.
@Big Fish (Comment 36) : well, I guess there’s only one way to find that out for sure.
Interesting to me that Jake has no issues picking Heimar, who is certainly no bigger than Tim Whitehead. Can’t be a size thing alone, in other words.
Long time no comment fellow Sharks fans!!! Great looking side…
Only Reinach and Coetzee give me concerns. Am I the only one who feels Coetzee is no open side??
@robdylan (Comment 38) : No Rob Heimar is a lot more muscular and stronger than Whithead and quicker too. They same height and mayb weight but trust me Heimar packs a bigger punch. He was one of the top in the Academy for strength tests etc
Can’t wait for Saturday. Very very good looking team and really chuffed to see Kanko there. Now all I need is to see KD back in the mix, when the injury clears, and I’ll be very happy camper.
@pienaar111 (Comment 39) : yes you are. Sorry.
Williams is chunkier than Tim……I’d say 4kg’s in it or so
@Saffex (Comment 43) : @SheldonK (Comment 40) : ok, ok… but we’re splitting hairs here. Point is, Wiliams is nowhere near the Steyn/Esterhuizen form factor…
@GreatSharksays (Comment 42) : well has his form ever come close to these names??
Pocock, Hooper, McCaw, Brussow, etc???
Plays like a blind side IMO
Stop the nonsense bickering about detail ?
Jake has chosen a great side and will never please everybody. Lets back them – Come to the GAME and hope that psychologically they have gelled as a team. Go Boys !!!!
@robdylan (Comment 44) : Agreed…..Tim really has never rediscovered his S15 form of 2 seasons ago……he was the best 12 in the country at that stage…..got injured and has made little impression since
@pienaar111 (Comment 45) : He is fine at 6, I reckon. People get fixated on their open siders pilfer abilities when really they should consider their all round game to be more important.
@pienaar111 (Comment 39) : No he is not….and he suffers for it……Coetzee’s best spot would be 8 in my opinion……he is not your big bruiser 7 and is not a fetcher…….but then again Jake played Schalk at 6 for the Boks and lets face it, Schalk was not a fetcher…..he to is more of a 7……but we had Juan Smith at 7
Trying to think back, when was the last time I didn`t have at least 3 problems with the run on team, it`s been a while. . .
What a nice refreshing change.
Now lets hold thumbs we stay injury free!
@Observer (Comment 46) : of course we’re all backing them!
but we need something to discuss 🙂
@robdylan (Comment 44) : No i agree but he does offer very good defense and is good at the breakdown, the tackle and steal off Jean DeVilliers in CC final an example. I think thats why he is on the bench to offer a solid defense in last 20min
@pienaar111 (Comment 39) : Would you prefer him on the blindside? Where we have Alberts and Deysel who are true blindsides. Personally I think Marcell is an awesome openside flanker. His tackle count is almost always higher than anyone else on the field, he’s quick, strong, and appears to have an unlimited supply of energy.
Ok so his pilfering abilities might not be in the same league as Pocock, McCaw, or Brussouw but he has improved massively last year and has had heaps of time with Richie Gray. I’m really curious as to who you would put there?
Besides, who needs a specialist fetcher at blindside when you have a Bismarck? 😎
The Bulls don’t have a bad side either. I reckon the predictions all over the web of a runaway victory for us is a bit off. Think it will be closer than many anticipate.
@rhineshark (Comment 54) : Damn right……I expected the Sharks to smash a second string Sarries side and that never happened…..the Bulls side is as good as the Sharks side
Weird not seeing Keegan’s name on the sheet 😕
Jake is expecting that his bench shall be the ace that puts the bulls away. With McLoed adding pace to our onslaught and Deysel receiving those quick balls, well let’s just say the bulls are in for a tough last quarter !!!
@Son Of Mayhem (Comment 56) : Jake is not a fan of small players. Daniel is a class act and has a place in the squad…….but not at 8……he is far too small for 8……he should only play as a linking 6
@gregkaos (Comment 53) : Highest tackle count for last belongs to Lappies from the Cheetahs
Would have preferred Fred above Sithole….
@KingCheetah (Comment 59) : For last year/cc/specific game? Remember one of them was on bok duty for the majority of CC.
Not saying that Lappies isn’t a good player who puts in a bucket load of work mind you. Quite unlucky to not have a test cap yet although I’d choose Marcell over Lappies in a team.
Hopefully the stands are packed on saturday!!
@SheldonK (Comment 21) : See, that’s one of the only things Lambie can learn from Steyn… the uncanny ability to not get injured.
@Saffex (Comment 31) : no Queenian will ever forget that try, that oke’s power is unbelievable, because he isn’t the biggest oke. He’s unbelievably strong. Happy for him, I know he’s got an unbelievable work ethic, glad to see him get a chance!!!
@Ludz (Comment 64) : Yeah I screamed the house down when he scored that try. He is big enough at 93kg……not convinced about Jake playing him at 13…..I dont think he has the hands or software for centre…..much like Habana never did.
Also not convinced about Jake playing Fisher at 15…….he is a 13
@gregkaos (Comment 53) : Hey I don’t quite know who I would put there….
I certainly don’t doubt his work rate and effort, but I have always found good opensiders are the ‘smartest of the loosies’ both on attack and defence and I feel he lacks in this regard. And although being smaller than Deysel and Alberts he is more in that mould.
And yes BISSIE IS A BEAST IN ALL FACETS HAHA….but we have struggled terribly to control possession when he is unavailable, because none of the looses play to the ball, they wait for it…
I just prefer rugby smarts to players only relying on athleticism etc. All the great players have it
@Talent (Comment 48) I just feel he had his best season in 2012 when he was utilised from 7 , with Keegan and Kanko around him. (at least to the end of that campaign anyway) : @Saffex (Comment 49) : Yeah that is true but that trio became (obsolete seems a harsh term) ineffective versus ABs and co. Lets just say NOT AS EFFECTIvE as in 2007 and before
@Saffex (Comment 65) : yeah I agree, I’m a bit worried about his hands at 13, also defensively hey
Really stoked that the Hoff is starting, I hope that he can play to his potential, because an in form Hoff is guaranteed to get more Springbok caps.
@pienaar111 (Comment 66) : I agree about the great players having that intelligence or sort of 6th sense.
I personally believe Marcell will continue to improve and become a great. Gotta bear in mind the guy is only 22 and already has 15 test caps. Not sure when the others like McCaw etc broke into the test arena but it did take them time to become the greats they are today.
Nog net 1 slapie!
@Ludz (Comment 68) : Defence is the biggest question mark in my opinion. Based on the match against the Lions I believe there is evidence of an definite improvement in his handling.
@pienaar111 (Comment 67) : He is versatile, which is why I feel his best position may be 8 eventually.
There is no one remotely dangerous at the breakdowns in a fetching capacity for the Bulls. They have big guys who are fast and that will hit rucks and carry all day long.
If you look at most of the revered open side flankers in the world they haven’t made a name for themselves the way Brussow did. Sam Cane, Hooper, Mcaw, Dusautoir and Burger(in his heyday) were hardly fetchers, they were able to hit rucks, slow down clean ball by occupying the space over the gate(needing more opposition to clean them out) and compete where larger flanks ala Frans Louw cant-that 13/15/wing channel.
6 is one of the only positions where you can roam and have a hand in everything. Thats why so often you’ll see 6 flanks capable of good linking play. They aren’t the first called to carry.
I now know why you have to lower your IQ by 80 nothces if you intend on reading the sport24 comment section – 100% bulls supporters, proudly regurgitating their ignorance and stupidity, dit nogal in Engels – major fail 😈 .
@FireTheLooser (Comment 75) : 😆 😆 😆 they are in denial about this weekend
@Talent (Comment 73) : Yeah, but every one of those names you mentioned have that ‘rugby smarts’ i referred to, except perhaps Burger (brilliant in a different way). They make the right decisions at the right time.
As proven in his performances for the Boks and last year for the Sharks, he is a bit of a headless chicken. Commitment and effort alone won’t make you a complete player. He never made anywhere near the impact that young Hooper and Cane have made on their Test appearances!!
But he is young and hopefully will learn!!! Im certainly not trying to say the guy is terrible, just lacks that edge for me.
That being said WE SHOULD SMACK THOSE BULLETJIES WITH THIS LINEUP
@KILLER SHARK (Comment 57) : You are on to something and what you’re stating makes sense. Jake for the longest time has been saying that the Brumbies lost because the Chiefs had a superior bench that was able to come on a play a very quick game and score quickly.