Willie le Roux will start at fullback for the Sharks in Saturday's quarter-final against the Hurricanes in Wellington.
Le Roux has missed the last three games due to a shoulder injury, but will make a timely return, while outside centre Paul Jordaan has also overcome an injury and provides another boost to the backline. His return sees JP Pietersen shift back to the right wing.
The only other change to the backline sees Michael Claassens return at scrumhalf in place of Stefan Ungerer, who drops to the bench.
Among the forwards, Jean-Luc du Preez returns from injury to start at blindside flank, while Stephan Lewies, Franco Marais and Beast Mtawarira are back in the tight five.
Sharks – 15 Willie le Roux, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Paul Jordaan, 12 André Esterhuizen, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Garth April, 9 Michael Claassens, 8 Philip van der Walt, 7 Jean-Luc du Preez, 6 Keegan Daniel, 5 Stephan Lewies, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Franco Marais, 1 Beast Mtawarira (c).
Subs: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Dale Chadwick, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Hyron Andrews, 20 Tera Mtembu, 21 Stefan Ungerer, 22 Curwin Bosch, 23 Odwa Ndungane.
Super Rugby teams (Quarter-finals)
Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
