Sharks coach Robert du Preez has picked several young players to front the Rebels in Durban on Saturday.
There are four changes to the starting lineup. Aphelele Fassi has recovered from injury and replaces Rhyno Smith at fullback. In the only other change to the backline, André Esterhuizen is back at inside centre for the suspended Jeremy Ward.
Sharks coach Robert du Preez has decided to give two of his younger forwards a run as lock Ruben van Heerden and flank Phepsi Buthelezi make their first starts of the campaign.
Craig Burden has been named on the Sharks bench. The 33-year-old hooker could be in line for his first appearance in Durban in over five years after leaving the Sharks for Toulon in 2013.
Former Western Province loose-forward Luke Stringer, who joined the Sharks during last year’s Currie Cup campaign, is set for his Vodacom Super Rugby debut from the bench.
Sharks – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Sbu Nkosi, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Louis Schreuder, 8 Daniel du Preez, 7 Jacques Vermeulen, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Akker van der Merwe, 1 Tendai Mtwarira.
Subs: 16 Craig Burden, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Gideon Koegelenburg, 20 Luke Stringer, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Marius Louw, 23 Curwin Bosch.
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
