Sharks coach JP Pietersen has picked a largely second-string team for Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup clash against the Sale Sharks in Manchester.
There are 13 changes to the side edged by the Lions in the Vodacom URC last weekend. Springboks Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi, Siya Kolisi, Grant Williams, Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Andre Esterhuizen, Ethan Hooker, Makazole Mapimpi, Edwill van der Merwe and Aphelele Fassi have all remained in Durban.
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The front row features Lee-Marvin Mazibuko and Eduan Swart, with Springbok tighthead Vincent Koch returning from injury to add much-needed experience up front in his first appearance since October.
In the second row, Corne Rahl partners Emile van Heerden, while the back row features flanks Tinotenda Mavesere and Emmanuel Tshituka and No 8 Nick Hatton, who captains the side.
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There is a complete reshuffle in the backline.
Ross Braude starts at scrumhalf alongside Siya Masuku at 10, while Jurenzo Julius and Francois Venter partner in midfield. Le Roux Malan shifts to the wing, joining Yaw Penxe and fullback Hakeem Kunene in the back three.
Both teams enter the match with one win and one loss in the pool.
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SHARKS – 15 Hakeem Kunene, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Francois Venter, 12 Jurenzo Julius, 11 Le Roux Malan, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Ross Braude, 8 Nick Hatton (c), 7 Manu Tshituka, 6 Tinotenda Mavesere, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Vincent Koch 2 Eduan Swart 1 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko.
Bench: 16 Ethan Bester, 17 Phatu Ganyane, 18 Mawande Mdanda, 19 Vincent Tshituka, 20 Matt Romao, 21 Ceano Everson, 22 Jean Smith, 23 Marnus Potgieter.
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Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
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