Tendai Mtawarira has returned in one of three changes to the Sharks’ starting lineup to face the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday.

Mtawarira has recovered from his knee injury in time to start in the crucial coastal derby, which the Sharks have to win to progress to the Vodacom Super Rugby playoffs.

The 33-year-old takes over from Mzamo Majola in the front row, with Majola playing off the bench. Meanwhile, an injury to Ruan Botha means that Ruben van Heerden comes into the starting lineup.

There is just one change to the backline, Aphelele Fassi reverting to fullback for Curwin Bosch, who has an ankle injury.

Sharks – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Sbu Nkosi, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Rob du Preez, 9 Louis Schreuder (c), 8 Dan du Preez, 7 Tyler Paul, 6 Jacques Vermeulen, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 1 Tendai Mtawarira .
Subs: 16 Cullen Collopy, 17 Mzamo Majola, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Gideon Koegelenberg, 20 Luke Stringer, 21 Zee Mkhabela, 22 Jeremy Ward, 23 Rhyno Smith.

Vodacom Super Rugby teams (Round 18)

Photo: Iain McGregor / www.photosport.nz