Springbok Jordan Hendrikse will start at flyhalf for the Sharks when they face the Bulls in their United Rugby Championship clash in Durban on Saturday.
The move is one of just two changes to the starting lineup that hung on for a gritty 28-23 Champions Cup win over Saracens last Saturday. Hendrikse takes the No.10 berth from George Whitehead, who shifts to the bench.
The other change is forced. The luckless Aphelele Fassi, who has only just returned after months on the sidelines with an ankle injury, left the field with a concussion last week. Hakeem Kunene comes in to replace the Springbok.
Otherwise, Andre Esterhuizen retains the captaincy armband he wore for the first time last week in his centre partnership wth Bok teammate Ethan Hooker.
“A win is always important, it gives you belief, it gives you something you can work on, and it gives you motivation and confidence to take into the next game,” said interim coach JP Pietersen.
“We know it’s not going to be easy against the Bulls. They’re also desperate, but what a challenge it’s going to be.”
Sharks – 15 Hakeem Kunene, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Ethan Hooker, 12 Andre Esterhuizen (c), 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Phatu Ganyane.
Replacements: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 18 Mawande Mdanda, 19 Marvin Orie, 20 Matt Romao, 21 Nick Hatton, 22 Jaden Hendrikse, 23 George Whitehead.
