Sharks captain Lukhanyo Am has returned to their starting lineup to lead the team in their Currie Cup clash with the Vodacom Bulls in Durban on Saturday.

Am has been out since the fourth round of Super Rugby Unlocked after suffering a hand injury, but was back in training over the past week and will resume his leadership of the side, with Jeremy Ward dropping to the bench.

The Sharks could also welcome back another Springbok to their lineup as wing Sbu Nkosi will start after scoring a brace of tries off the bench in the opening round of the Currie Cup. As a result, Yaw Penxe will shift to the left wing, while Madosh Tambwe has been left out of the match-day squad entirely.

In the pack, Sikhumbuzo Notshe and Henco Venter will start in the back row in place of Thembelani Bholi and JJ van der Mescht. Meanwhile, in a rotational change, Dan Jooste will start at hooker, shifting Kerron van Vuuren to the substitutes.

Sharks coach Sean Everitt has opted for a six-two split between forwards and backs on his bench, with Bholi and Phepsi Buthelezi providing cover at loose forward. Michael Kumbirai and Mzamo Majola have both returned to provide backup in the front row and there is a potential Currie Cup debut for former Junior Springbok scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse.

Sharks – 15 Manie Libbok, 14 Sbu Nkosi, 13 Lukhanyo Am (c), 12 Marius Louw, 11 Yaw Penxe, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Sanele Nohamba, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Henco Venter, 6 Dylan Richardson, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Daniel Jooste, 1 Ox Nche.
Subs: 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Mzamo Majola, 18 Michael Kumbirai, 19 JJ van der Mescht, 20 Thembelani Bholi, 21 Phepsi Buthelezi, 22 Jaden Hendrikse, 23 Jeremy Ward.

Photo: Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix