The Sharks have suffered three injury setbacks ahead of their crucial match against the Free State Cheetahs on Saturday.

Captain Keegan Daniel is nursing an abdominal strain and has been rested for the top-of-the-table clash. His place in the starting lineup is taken by Francois Kleinhans, with Philip van der Walt assigned as the stand-in captain.

Lock Stephan Lewies's hamstring strain has resurfaced, which will delay his return to action. Ruan Botha was named as his second-row replacement. 

On the bench, Khaya Majola completes the match 22 ahead of Jean Deysel, who has a hip-flexor strain.

Sharks – 15 Curwin Bosch, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 André Esterhuizen, 11 S’bura Sithole, 10 Inny Radebe, 9 Stefan Ungerer, 8 Philip van der Walt (c), 7 Jean-Luc du Preez, 6 Francois Kleinhans, 5 Ruan Botha, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Franco Marais, 1 Juan Schoeman.
Subs: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 John-Hubert Meyer, 18 Jean Droste, 19 Khaya Majola, 20 Michael Claassens, 21 Heimar Williams, 22 Rhyno Smith. 

Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix