Kick-off at Jonsson Kings Park is 16h00 and the match will be broadcast live on the SuperSport Rugby and Grandstand channels.
After getting their campaign off to a winning start against the DHL Stormers in Cape Town last weekend, the Cell C Sharks will look to refine their performance further when the Emirates Lions visit Durban on Saurday, in the coastal team's first home game of the competition.
The performance in the thrilling 33-30 victory was always going to show some rustiness due to the lack of match action and this week’s match offers the perfect opportunity to perform at a level they strive for.
“Our preparation is important because we’re a performance-driven side, we aren’t results-driven,” explained Cell C Sharks loose forward Sikhumbuzo Notshe.
“We know that if we get our performance right, the results will follow.”
The mobile No 8 should revel in play on Saturday given his expectations of the way the game will unfold.
“I think both sides will look to lift the tempo and play a high-paced game," he said.
"We will match them if they go that route and they’ll look to do the same. Decision-making will be important and making sure we stick to our plan.”
There are two changes on the bench with Le Roux Roets replacing JJ van Mescht and Jaden Hendrikse, having recovered from his niggle, being named as the reserve scrumhalf.
Cell C Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Sibusiso Nkosi, 13 Lukhanyo Am (captain), 12 Jeremy Ward, 11 Yaw Penxe, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Henco Venter, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Reniel Hugo, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Ox Nche. Replacements: 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Wiehahn Herbst, 19 Le Roux Roets, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Jaden Hendrikse, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Werner Kok.
Match information:
Date: Saturday, 8 May 2021
Time: 16h00
Venue: Jonsson Kings Park, Durban
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen
Assistant Referees: AJ Jacobs, Rasta Rasivhenge
Television Match Official: Egon Seconds
TV: SuperSport Rugby and Grandstand
