Sharks stack up on stars with one eye on semi
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lukhanyo Am leads a vastly experienced and Springbok-laden Sharks side for their United Rugby Championship Round 15 clash with Scarlets on Friday evening.
Scarlets are two log points behind the Sharks but will relish the opportunity to have a go at the Durban side.
Head coach John Plumtree has opted to bring back his experienced players for this clash in Wales, looking for their leadership and ability to deliver a winning performance.
This can be seen as a trial run for their date with Clermont in the semifinal of the Challenge Cup next weekend.
It is a very different line-up to the one that lost 10-21 against the Warriors in Glasgow this past weekend with only Lappies Labuschagne and Grant Williams who were part of the team that is in action again this weekend.
Wing Werner Kok will make his 50th appearance in the Sharks jersey on Friday.
Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Lukhanyo Am (captain), 12 Ethan Hooker, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Vincent Tshituka, 7 Lappies Labuschagne, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Ox Nche
Replacements: 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Gerbrandt Grobler, 21 Jaden Hendrikse, 22 Boeta Chamberlain, 23 Francois Venter
Date: Friday, April 26
Venue: Parc Y Scarlets, Llanelli
Kick-off: 19.35; 18.35 GMT; 20.35 SA time
Referee: Mike Adamson (Scotland)
Assistant referees: Ben Breakspear (Wales) and Dewi Phillips (Wales)
TMO: David Sutherland (Scotland)
