Springbok wing Edwill van der Merwe will make his first appearance for the Sharks against the Stormers in George on Friday.
Coach John Plumtree has named a 28-man squad for the pre-season clash at Outeniqua Park, as the Durbanites continue preparations for the new Vodacom URC season.
There’s a first run-out of the campaign for experienced tighthead Ruan Dreyer, while Junior Boks lock Bathobele Hlekani retains his place in the engine room after starting in last week’s double-header at Kings Park.
Vincent Tshituka captains the side from No 8, with Lukhanyo Am his deputy in the midfield alongside Francois Venter.
Jaden Hendrikse and Siya Masuku form the halfback pairing, while Christie Grobbelaar and PK Sobahle are named on the wings, and Yaw Penxe starts at fullback.
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Van der Merwe, who featured for the Springboks against the Wallabies last month, is among a powerful group of replacements that also includes former Pumas scrumhalf Ross Braude and new recruit Deon Slabbert.
Kick-off is at 6pm.
SHARKS – 15 Yaw Penxe, 14 Phikolomzi “PK” Sobahle, 13 Lukhanyo Am (vc), 12 Francois Venter, 11 Christie Grobbelaar, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Vincent Tshituka (c), 7 Emmanuel Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Jason Jenkins, 4 Bathobele Hlekani, 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Phatu Ganyane.
Bench: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 19 Deon Slabbert, 20 Tino Mavesere, 21 Nick Hatton, 22 Ross Braude, 23 Edwill van der Merwe, 24 Paschal Ekeji, 25 Jean Smith, 26 Hakeem Kunene, 27 Mawande Mdanda, 28 Willem van den Hever.
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