Sharks v Lions: Players in the Spotlight

Sharks

Bongi Mbonambi

For a dog of war who’s more than willing to battle it out in the proverbial gutters, Mbonambi has done more talking than walking recently.

It’s so uncharacteristic of the man known for his work ethic and mongrel but it’s now becoming a bit of a concern. Last weekend’s 38-14 loss at Ellis Park highlighted just how the usually hard-working hooker’s attention has shifted to debates with officials lately.

His complaining reached the point where referee Christopher Allison summoned Sharks skipper Vincent Tshituka and stated “Bongi is not your captain,” making it clear he was getting fed up with the 34-year-old. It’s time for Mbonambi to refocus and let his actions do the talking, which I expect him to do come Saturday.

Siya Kolisi

One of the most inspirational, lead-from-the-front players of all time, Kolisi will surely return to the run-on side this week after his try-scoring cameo off the bench last Saturday.

The Sharks need an attitude adjustment after failing to pitch up mentally at Ellis Park, and they’ll look to the two-time World Cup-winning Springbok captain to set the tone.

Whether in the familiar No. 6 jersey or at eighthman, where he’s been looking sharp, the Durbanites need a big game from their biggest superstar.

Grant Williams

Jaden Hendrikse is a top talent, but after his shocker and the big role it played in the Durbanites’ demise last weekend, you’d have to think Williams will start in the rematch.

The nippy No. 9 brings a completely different dynamic to the Sharks with his speed of delivery and out-and-out pace, which were immediately evident when he replaced the plodding Hendrikse in the latter stages of last weekend’s clash.

On top of his silky swiftness, he has a knack for creating something out of nothing and his kicking is solid if not at the highest level.

Lions:

JC Pretorius

One of the standouts in the Lions’ win last weekend, Pretorius is not only arguably the leading locally-based fetcher but he’s remarkably consistent as well.

Given this, it’s a mystery why the blonde-haired back-rower missed out on an invitation to the Springbok alignment camp. He showed just how effective he can be across the board last weekend, beating defenders with his first-step explosion, tackling like a demon and being a pest at the breakdown.

It’s tough to guess what the former Blitzbok has to do to get Rassie Erasmus’ attention, but one thing is for sure, he’ll give it his all like he always does at Kings Park.

Gianni Lombard

It’s finally looking like the injury issues that halted Lombard’s career are behind him. He’s reminded many of the exciting overall play he’s capable of in recent weeks and is clearly loving getting a sustained run in the No. 10 jersey, ironically due to an injury to Kade Wolhuter.

He marshalled matters with the boot, which included a sensational line kick and great 50:22, had beautiful touches on attack, was dangerous when he took the ball to the line and was rewarded with a try to finish with a personal tally of 13 points.

If the Lions are going to do the double over the Sharks, it’s imperative that Lombard comes to the party again.

Edwill van der Merwe

Van der Merwe fired on all cylinders last weekend, not only with his attacking expertise, which saw him slice through like a hot knife through butter to score one of his team’s six tries, but with a brilliantly balanced display.

It was everything Erasmus would’ve wanted to see – strike power, aerial excellence and strong defence. The winger would’ve added to his one Test cap last year had it not been for injury and he looks intent on showing why he should start the international season in the Green and Gold No. 11 jersey.