Michael Rhodes Image © sharksrugby.co.za

04 March 2010 (15:33) - Following last week’s 69-8 victory over the Border Bulldogs which propelled them to the top of the South Section log in the opening week of the Vodacom Cup, The Sharks XV travel to Cape Town to take on Western Province on Saturday hoping to come out of the match will more log points and the opportunity to consolidate their position at the top of the log.

While they boasted impressive away form last year when they won on the road on all three occasions they were away from home, they will face a significantly more difficult task when they take on a Province side reeling from a shock loss in their opening week.

Coach Sean Everitt has managed to keep continuity in selection with just two changes to the starting line-up, one each for the backs and forwards with Jacques Venter coming in for Monty Dumond at flyhalf and Michael Rhodes (pictured) playing his first game after missing last week. He replaces Lambert Groenewald who has been named amongst the reserves.

With the Cape side having conceded a 37-28 defeat to the Boland Kavaliers in Bredasdorp last Saturday, they will be up for this match, although they have a tough ask against a settled but very exciting Sharks XV side.

Going back to 1999, the teams have met on nine occasions, the spoils evenly shared with four wins apiece and one draw. The Sharks XV hold a marginal advantage in the scoring statistics, having accrued 226 points to Province’s 216.

Although many of The Sharks XV squad played at age group level last year, there is a good mix of experience spread around to bring an element of calm when needed.

Alistair Hargreaves, Charl McLeod, Monty Dumond, Luzuko Vulindlu, Louis Ludik and Ross Cronje have all competed at Vodacom Super 14 level while WP can boast a similar record through the likes of JD Moller, Dylan des Fountain, Willem de Waal, Fabian Juries and Frikkie Welsh.

As demonstrated last week, this Sharks XV side have the ability to score tries and will no doubt look to continue their scoring exploits, although they will face a sterner challenge than the opening week.

The match kicks off at 3pm and will be broadcast live on MNet/SS1.

The Sharks XV

15. Louis Ludik
14. Mark Richards
13. Jean Stemmet
12. Andries Strauss (Capt)
11. Luzuko Vulindlu
10. Jacques Venter
9. Charl McLeod
8. Luvuyiso Lusaseni
7. Michael Rhodes
6. Justin Downey
5. Alistair Hargreaves
4. Anton Bresler
3. Wiehahn Herbst
2. Kyle Cooper
1. Patric Cilliers

Replacements
16. Hannes Snyman
17. Sabelo Nhlapo
18. Jandre Marais
19. Lambert Groenewald
20. Ross Cronje
21. Jerome Pretorius
22. Chris Jordaan