Vincent Tshituka will fill in at lock as the Sharks have opted to pull Springbok forwards Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi off the front lines for Friday’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship derby against the Lions.
Sharks coach Neil Powell rubberstamped several changes to the side that defeated Bordeaux-Begles in France last week, including resting the Bok enforcer and downgrading the Bok captain to the bench.
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.
Sharks – 15 Boeta Chamberlain, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Rohan Janse van Rensburg, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Jeandre Labuschagne, 6 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Vincent Tshituka, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 Dan Jooste, 1 Thomas du Toit.
Subs; 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: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
