Lwazi Mvovo will start on the right wing in one of two changes to the Sharks starting XV for Saturday’s match against the Vodacom Bulls at Kings Park.
Mvovo replaces Sbu Nkosi, while Luke Stringer – who came off the bench against the Rebels last week to make his Vodacom Super Rugby debut – starts ahead of Phepsi Buthelezi at blindside flank.
Meanwhile, hooker Craig Burden is poised to make his Vodacom Super Rugby return, having been named on the bench.
He is joined there by loose forward Philip van der Walt, who returned from Japan with an injury but is now back to full fitness, and winger Kobus van Wyk, who has recovered from a shoulder injury.
Veteran prop Beast Mtawarira is set to equal the retired Adriaan Strauss’ record for being the most capped South African Vodacom Super Rugby player (156 appearances).
Sharks – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Lwazi Mvovo, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 André Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Louis Schreuder (c), 8 Daniel du Preez, 7 Jacques Vermeulen, 6 Luke Stringer, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Akker van der Merwe, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Subs: 16 Craig Burden, 17 Thomas du Toit, 18 Khutha Mchunu, 19 Gideon Koegelenberg, 20 Philip van der Walt, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Kobus van Wyk, 23 Curwin Bosch.
Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images