Beast Mtawarira makes a welcome return to the Sharks side named to take on the Highlanders in their Super Rugby clash at Kings Park on Saturday.
The prop’s experience cannot be denied over a period spanning more than a decade, but the player who deputised for him, Juan Schoeman, has been impressive when called on.
The other change to the front-row sees Akker van der Merwe coming in for Chilliboy Ralepelle at hooker, while Stephan Lewies makes way for Tyler Paul in a rotational change at lock.
The rest of the pack, as well as the entire backline, remain unchanged from the side that defeated the Stormers two weeks ago.
The Highlanders’ last gasp victory over the Bulls at Loftus last weekend will have given the Southern-most New Zealand team plenty of confidence going into this fixture. However, the Sharks will look to punish any overconfidence they might arrive in Durban with.
The visitors will certainly take confidence from their table position – currently fifth overall – showing that they are well on track for a top eight finish and a place in the knock-out rounds.
For the Sharks, a battle royale on the South African Conference means that this game has plenty riding on the outcome, especially if the team can show the kind of determination and fortitude that was on show against the Stormers.
Sharks: 15 Curwin Bosch, 14 Sbu Nkosi, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 André Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Rob du Preez, 9 Cameron Wright, 8 Dan du Preez, 7 Jean-Luc du Preez, 6 Philip van der Walt, 5 Ruan Botha (c), 4 Tyler Paul, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Akker van der Merwe, 1 Beast Mtawarira
Replacements: 16 Franco Marais, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 Ross Geldenhuys, 19 Stephan Lewies, 20 Jacques Vermeulen, 21 Louis Schreuder, 22 Marius Louw, 23 Lwazi Mvovo
Date: Saturday, May 5
Venue: Kings Park
Kick-off: 17:15 local (15:15 GMT)
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)
Assistant referees: AJ Jacobs, Cwengile Jadezweni
Television match official: Christie du Preez
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