Lukhanyo Am brings up his 100th cap as the Sharks go in search of a maiden Vodacom URC semi-final berth against Munster in Durban on Saturday.
The Springbok double world champion returns from a knee injury at outside centre in one of two changes to the backline by Sharks head coach John Plumtree for the quarter-final clash at Kings Park.
Am takes over from the exciting Jurenzo Julius, a notable absentee from the match-day 23 that beat Scarlets two weeks ago.
Plumtree also welcomes back Bok playmaker Jordan Hendrikse, who replaces the injured Siya Masuku at flyhalf.
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In the pack, lock Jason Jenkins bumps Emile van Heerden to the bench, James Venter (neck) returns to action and takes over from Tino Mavesere at openside flank, while two-time World Cup-winning skipper Siya Kolisi returns to the starting XV at No 8.
The versatile Phepsi Buthelezi covers the back row off an otherwise unchanged bench.
Plumtree’s men will have to raise their game to come away with a victory on Saturday when they line up against 2023 champions Munster, despite the Irish giants having finished the pool stages three places below them on the standings in sixth place.
The Durbanites occupied third place on the log and have lost only once at home this season, but struggled to beat Scarlets 12-3, and were under pressure a week earlier against Ospreys before a strong second half got them over the line (29-10).
SHARKS – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Siya Kolisi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 James Venter, 5 Jason Jenkins, 4 Eben Etzebeth (c), 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.
Bench: 16. Fez Mbatha, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Emile van Heerden, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Francois Venter, 23 Yaw Penxe.
Your Hollywoodbets Sharks team for tomorrow’s home quarter-final!
Read the full team release article: https://t.co/fk3iq6lWH1
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— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) May 30, 2025
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