Alberts to lock things up
The Sharks will deploy battering ram Willem Alberts at lock for the crucial playoff clash with the Reds in Brisbane on Saturday.
The Springbok star went into the second row from the bench last week in the victory over the Cheetahs and made a big impact on the match. His ability to play at lock is massive boost for the Sharks.
Sharks coach John Plumtree would have been reluctant to break up the loose trio of Keegan Daniel, Marcell Coetzee and Ryan Kankowski, who have functioned well together in the last two matches. Alberts' adaptability makes it possible to include all four Boks in the starting XV.
The only other change to the pack is the return to the starting line-out of stalwart hooker Bismarck du Plessis, who only featured off the bench last week thanks to a niggling injury.
In the backs there are two further changes, as Frans Steyn isn't available for the match because of his late entry into the competition, while Patrick Lambie was left in South Africa after suffering a recurring ankle injury last weekend.
Louis Ludik takes Lambie's place at fullback following a couple of good performances at the back, while fit again Baby Bok flyer is reunited with Tim Whitehead in the midfield.
On the bench experienced lock Steven Sykes is back from his injury and take the place of Jandre Marais, while Meyer Bosman and Odwa Ndungane are the additional backline cover.
Sharks: 15 Louis Ludik, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Paul Jordaan, 12 Tim Whitehead, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Frederic Michalak, 9 Charl McLeod, 8 Ryan Kankowski, 7 Marcell Coetzee, 6 Keegan Daniel (captain), 5 Anton Bresler, 4 Willem Alberts, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements: 16 Craig Burden, 17 Wiehahn Herbst, 18 Steven Sykes, 19 Jacques Botes, 20 Cobus Reinach, 21 Meyer Bosman, 22 Odwa Ndungane.
Date: Saturday, July 21
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 19.40 (09.40 GMT)
Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Craig Joubert (South Africa), James Leckie (Australia)
TMO: Matt Goddard (Australia)
