Aphelele Fassi has been named on the bench and is set make his return from injury when the Sharks face the Cheetahs on Sunday.

Coach Sean Everitt has made four changes to his side, handing John Hubert-Meyer a start at tighthead and welcoming back Ruben van Heerden in the second row. Among the backs, there are also two changes, scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse earning his first start for the CSharks with Jeremy Ward coming in for Marius Louw at centre.

There is also a welcome return for Fassi, who has been sidelined for the whole season due to a shoulder injury.

‘We were disappointed with the performance against the Lions, but we’ll put it down to a bad day at the office and the guys are really motivated to rectify it this weekend,’ explained Everitt.

‘We know what’s coming from the Cheetahs, they need to win their last three matches for them to be in contention come knockout time, so we’re under no illusions as to what they will bring.

‘It’s a challenge for us but the players are certainly up for it.’

Sharks – 15 Manie Libbok, 14 Sbu Nkosi, 13 Lukhanyo Am (c), 12 Jeremy Ward, 11 Yaw Penxe, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Henco Venter, 6 Dylan Richardson, 5 Aston Fortuin, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 John Hubert-Meyer, 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 1 Ox Nche.
Subs: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Khwezi Mona, 18 Michael Kumbirai, 19 Hyron Andrews, 20 Thembelani Bholi, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Werner Kok, 23 Aphelele Fassi.

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images