Jean-Luc du Preez will start at blindside flank in one of three changes to the Sharks’ XV for Saturday’s semi-final against the Blue Bulls at Kings Park.

Du Preez replaces Jacques Vermeulen, who drops to the bench.

There are two changes in the backline, with Louis Schreuder returning at scrumhalf in place of Michael Claassens and Kobus van Wyk replacing Odwa Ndungane on the right wing.

Hooker Akker van der Merwe has been named on the bench ahead of Springbok Chiliboy Ralepelle, while loose forward Tera Mtembu also drops out of the match 22.

Sharks – 15 Garth April, 14 Kobus van Wyk, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Marius Louw, 11 S’bu Nkosi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Louis Schreuder, 8 Dan du Preez, 7Jean-Luc du Preez, 6 Keegan Daniel, 5 Ruan Botha (c), 4 Tyler Paul, 3 Ross Geldenhuys, 2 Franco Marais, 1 Thomas du Toit.
Subs: 16 Akker van der Merwe, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 John-Hubert Meyer, 19 Jean Droste, 20 Jacques Vermeulen, 21 Michael Claassens, 22 Odwa Ndungane.

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images