Fullback Garth April will start his first match for the Sharks when they take on the Free State Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

The 24-year-old takes over from Ndungane, who shifts to the right wing in place of the injured Wandile Mjekevu, while the backline otherwise remains unchanged for Saturday's clash.

There are no changes to the pack, with coach Gary Gold opting for continuity in a match that is a must-win for the fifth-placed Sharks if they hope to progress to the play-offs.

Sharks – 15 Garth April , 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Paul Jordaan, 12 André Esterhuizen, 11 S’bura Sithole, 10 Joe Pietersen, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Philip van der Walt, 7 Etienne Oosthuizen, 6 Francois Kleinhans, 5 Marco Wentzel (c), 4 Dave McDuling, 3 Gerhard Engelbrecht, 2 Franco Marais, 1 Thomas du Toit.
Subs: 16 Monde Hadebe, 17 Mzamo Majola, 18 Christiaan de Bruin, 19 Jean Deysel, 20 Michael Claassens, 21 Heimar Williams, 22 Waylon Murray.

Photo: Louis Botha/Gallo Images