Coach Robert du Preez has made four changes to the Sharks’ starting lineup ahead of Saturday’s match against the Lions in Durban.
Most of the changes are in the pack, with Mzamo Majola coming in for Thomas du Toit at loosehead, while Ruben van Heerden is back after missing the Chiefs match and will now partner Ruan Botha at lock. Hyron Andrews plays off the bench this week.
Capped Springbok Dan du Preez also returns at No 8, with Philip van der Walt moving back to flank and Jacques Vermeulen named among the replacements.
Injuries to Akker van der Merwe and Craig Burden mean a possible debut for Dylan Richardson, who has been named as the reserve hooker.
The final change to the team comes in the backline, where Bok André Esterhuizen takes over from Marius Louw at inside centre.
Sharks –15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Sbu Nkosi, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 André Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Louis Schreuder (c), 8 Dan du Preez, 7 Jean-Luc du Preez, 6 Philip van der Walt, 5 Ruan Botha, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 1 Mzamo Majola.
Subs: 16 Dylan Richardson, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 John-Hubert Meyer, 19 Hyron Andrews, 20 Jacques Vermeulen, 21 Cameron Wright, 22 Robert du Preez, 23 Kobus van Wyk.
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
