Vodacom United Rugby Championship action resumes this weekend with the Cell C Sharks hosting the Emirates Lions at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Friday at 17h00.

After two weeks of successful Heineken Champions Cup rugby and a run of three straight victories across two competitions, the Cell C Sharks have derby rugby to contend with as they look to build on their recent successes.

It’s been a demanding month and the time has come for balancing the management of player welfare with the need to continue their good form. To this end, Director of Rugby Neil Powell has made several changes to the side that defeated Bordeaux Begles last week as he looks to both keep the players fresh as well as broadening the squad’s match fitness.

Thomas du Toit shifts over to the loosehead side of the front row with Dan Jooste replacing Bongi Mbonambi at hooker and Carlu Sadie named at tighthead.

Vincent Tshituka has shifted from flank to the lock position he occupied against Ospreys, replacing Eben Etzebeth and now partnering Hyron Andrews in the second row.

Siya Kolisi and Sikhumbuzo Notshe swap jerseys with Jeandre Labuschagne back in the side and completing the loose forward trio is captain and eighthman Phepsi Buthelezi.

Amongst the backline changes, Grant Williams is given a starting opportunity at scrumhalf with Jaden Hendrikse playing off the bench, while there is a new midfield pairing of Rohan Janse van Rensburg and Lukhanyo Am, in for Ben Tapuai and Francois Venter respectively.

Cell C Sharks
1. Thomas du Toit
2. Dan Jooste
3. Carlu Sadie
4. Vincent Tshituka
5. Hyron Andrews
6. Sikhumbuzo Notshe
7. Jeandre Labuschagne
8. Phepsi Buthelezi (c)
9. Grant Williams
10. Curwin Bosch
11. Makazole Mapimpi
12. Rohan Janse van Rensburg
13. Lukhanyo Am
14. Werner Kok
15. Boeta Chamberlain

Replacements
16. Kerron van Vuuren
17. Dian Bleuler
18. Hanro Jacobs
19. Gerbrandt Grobler
20. Siya Kolisi
21. Jaden Hendrikse
22. Lionel Cronje
23. Ben Tapuai

Photo by Dave Winter/INPHO/Shutterstock/BackpagePix