JP Pietersen will join a select group of Vodacom Super Rugby centurions when he runs out at Loftus for the Cell C Sharks’ fixture against the Bulls, playing in his 100th game for the franchise.
Since making his debut in 2006, he has become a vital member of the team. He has scored 33 tries in Super Rugby and 17 in 42 Currie Cup games and boasts a Rugby World Cup winners medal from 2007 (and has been capped 51 times at Test level).
Sharks Website release
“It is a big achievement for a guy that plays 100 times for his franchise,” explains Director of Rugby Jake White. “I have no doubt that it’s not only what he brings on the field, but also what he brings to the rest of the group off the field. I’m sure it will be a special occasion for him. I have no doubt JP, being as popular a player as he is to this group, a lot of the players will want to do well for him as well.”
White has made just two changes to the team that defeated the Reds last week, both on the bench.
Heimar Williams goes into the Vodacom Cup for game time andTim Swiel has been named as his replacement. Andre Esterhuizen replaces Jaco van Tonder, and whichever player does come on will feature in his first match at Vodacom Super Rugby level for his debut.
The Bulls have a formidable record at Loftus and like the Cell C Sharks are unbeaten at home this season. Much rests on the outcome of Saturday’s derby clash as the battle for the South African Conference hots up.
Cell C Sharks: 15 SP Marais, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Sibusiso Sithole, 12 Francois Steyn, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Patrick Lambie, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Ryan Kankowski, 7 Willem Alberts, 6 Marcell Coetzee, 5 Stephan Lewies, 4 Anton Bresler, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Bismarck du Plessis (Captain), 1 Tendai Mtawarira
Replacements: 16 Kyle Cooper, 17 Dale Chadwick, 18 Lourens Adriaanse, 19 Ettienne Oosthuizen, 20 Lubabalo Mtembu, 21 Charl McLeod, 22 Tim Swiel, 23 Andre Esterhuizen.