Pat Lambie is set to make his long-awaited return to action after being named on the Sharks' bench for this Saturday's clash with the EP Kings in Durban.

Lambie suffered a serious concussion in the Boks first Test of the year against Ireland in June, but has now finally overcome all the necessary return-to-play protocols over three months later.

Besides his inclusion, other changes to the Sharks side sees Rhyno Smith take the place of injured Odwa Ndungane on the wing, while Wandile Mjekevu comes in for S’bura Sithole.

Meanwhile, scrumhalf Michael Claassens replaces Stefan Ungerer to bring added experience to the starting lineup.

There are also a number of changes up front, with Francois Kleinhans shifting to eighthman to replace Philip van der Walt, who took a knock against the Free State Cheetahs last weekend, while Khaya Majola comes in to start on the flank.

In a rejigged front row, Thomas du Toit shifts to loosehead prop, John-Hubert Meyer packs down at tighthead, and Chiliboy Ralepelle will start at hooker and take over the captaincy.

Sharks – 15 Curwin Bosch, 14 Rhyno Smith, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 André Esterhuizen, 11 Wandile Mjekvu, 10 Inny Radebe, 9 Michael Claassens, 8 Francois Kleinhans, 7 Jean-Luc du Preez, 6 Khaya Majola, 5 Ruan Botha, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 John-Hubert Meyer, 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle (c), 1 Thomas du Toit.
Subs: 16 Franco Marais, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 Jean Droste, 19 Jean Deysel, 20 Stefan Ungerer, 21 Patrick Lambie, 22 Neil Maritz.

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images