The Sharks host the visiting Scarlets at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday evening in the final round of the pool stages of the United Rugby Championship.
There is strong motivation for this game. If the Sharks win and Leinster defeat Glasgow Warriors later in the evening, it will guarantee them third place on the log and the honour of hosting the sixth-placed team in the quarterfinals in two weeks’ time.
Head coach John Plumtree has freshened up his pack with four changes, but retained his backs, opting for continuity and growth of a dangerous and exciting backline.
Amongst the forwards, Ox Nche returns at loosehead prop after missing last week’s game, taking over from Dian Bleuler. Emile van Heerden also makes his return to the second row with Jason Jenkins shifting to the bench, in place of Emmanuel Tshituka (concussion). Tshituka had a strong cameo in last week’s clash with the Ospreys, when he replaced Eben Etzebeth after the Springbok legend had taken a knock to the leg.
The good news is that Etzebeth has been passed fit to play, with Plumtree admitting after the game that the Sharks captain was a swift healer.
The 131-capped Bok will continue to lead the side and the vice-captaincy handed to Andre Esterhuizen. Double World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi is rested and his No.8 jersey given to Phepsi Buthelezi.
The final change sees Tino Mavesere replacing James Venter on the side of the scrum.
Currently in sixth place on the log, Scarlets’ hold on a top-eight finish isn’t assured. The four trailing sides below them are all still in the hunt for the knockouts. Scarlets are chasing a first-ever appearance in the knock-outs since the tournament was changed from the Pro14 to the URC.
Saturday’s clash at Hollywoodbets Kings Park kicks off at 7.30pm.
Sharks
15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Tino Mavesere, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Eben Etzebeth (c), 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Jason Jenkins, 20 Nick Hatton, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Francois Venter, 23 Yaw Penxe.
