Both teams opened their 2026 campaigns with bonus-point victories. The Sharks claimed a hard-fought 26-24 win over the Pumas in Nelspruit, while the Cheetahs edged the Lions 29-27 at the Toyota Stadium.

The Sharks have made two changes to their side for Friday’s second-round Currie Cup clash against the Toyota Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

The only change to the starting XV sees Danilo Botha replace Jannes Potgieter at flank.

Lyle Matthews going in for a tackle on Jaycee Nel - Pumas

Club rugby winger Lyle Matthews, who marked his debut with a hat-trick last week, retains his place in the starting line-up. On the bench, Bryce Calvert comes in as hooker cover in place of Jacques Marais.

Despite expecting a stern challenge from the hosts, Vowles believes his side’s approach gives them every chance of securing back-to-back victories.

“The Cheetahs are a settled side,” he said.

“They’ve built strong combinations through the SA Cup and the Toyota Challenge, so we know they’ll be tough in the structured aspects of the game, especially at set-piece.

“Our focus has been on ourselves and what we can control. We want to play our brand of rugby, impose our game model and stay true to our identity.

“We’re looking to play with tempo, create opportunities in transition and move them around the field. We believe that can work in our favour.”

Vowles was particularly encouraged by the composure his youthful squad showed in closing out last week’s victory over the Pumas. The Sharks held onto possession through 26 phases in the final passage of play to deny the hosts one last opportunity.

“That was probably the highlight of the match for me,” he said.

“We did a lot of good work during the opening 50 minutes, but the way the players handled the closing stages really showed their character.

“To absorb that kind of pressure and stay calm is the type of experience that can shape a campaign.

“If the game had been comfortable in the second half, we probably wouldn’t have discovered as much about ourselves. The way the players responded reflected the group’s character, identity and culture. It was a massive test, and I’m delighted we came through it.”

The second-round Currie Cup clash between the Cheetahs and Sharks kicks off at 17:00 on Friday at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.

Cheetahs - TBA

Sharks - 15 Chijindu Okonta, 14 Christie Grobbelaar, 13 Marnus Potgieter, 12 Janco Purchase, 11 Lyle Matthews, 10 Tim Swiel, 9 Ross Braude, 8 Thomas Dyer (captain), 7 Danilo Botha, 6 Willem van den Hever, 5 Deon Slabbert, 4 Johan Momsen, 3 Simphiwe Ngobese, 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 1 Cameron Dawson

Replacements - 16 Bryce Calvert, 17 Jaco du Toit, 18 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 19 Sipho Nonyalela, 20 Hanu Pieterse, 21 Ceano Everson, 22 Chris Horak, 23 Matthew Fortuin

Morgan Piek OFM Sport