Vodacom Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White has opted for consistency in the season finale, making only two changes to the team that overpowered DHL Western Province in the semi-final last week.
With the unavailability of Johan Goosen, it will be the reliable Chris Smith who will run out at flyhalf for the final, in the only change to the backline.
In the forwards, Joe van Zyl gets the nod at hooker, replacing Schalk Erasmus from last Friday’s fixture, while Jan-Hendrik Wessels will once again provide cover from the bench.
“The players have proven to be consistent over the past few weeks in their performances, so it is only natural that we continue with that consistency into this all-important Carling Currie Cup final,” said White.
“We expect a tough battle against the Cell C Sharks – a match that will be on par with Test match rugby. The Cell C Sharks have been a formidable side throughout their campaign. They are well-coached, have talented players and are a driven group. So, we expect them to throw everything at us this weekend.
“We know what’s heading our way this weekend, and there is no doubt that rugby fans are in for a treat.”
The match will start at 17h00, and it will be televised on SuperSport.
Vodacom Bulls: 15 David Kriel, 14 Cornal Hendricks, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Madosh Tambwe, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Zak Burger, 8 Elrigh Louw, 7 Arno Botha, 6 Marcell Coetzee (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Janko Swanepoel, 3 Mornay Smith, 2 Joe van Zyl, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp. Replacements (from): 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17 Simphiwe Matanzima, 18 Jacques van Rooyen, 19 Jacques du Plessis, 20 WJ Steenkamp, 21 Keagan Johannes, 22 Ruan Combrinck / David Coetzer, 23 Stravino Jacobs, 24 Reinhardt Ludwig, 25 Jaco Labuschagne, 26 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 27 Coetzer / Combrinck, 28 Stedman Gans, 29 Schalk Erasmus.