Sharks forced to change for Lions
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks coach Robert du Preez has been forced to make changes to his team to play the Lions at Kings Park on Saturday.
While Du Preez was able to welcome back a couple of players from injury, there is also a number who have not yet recovered from injury and are unavailable for selection.
Most of the changes are in the pack.
Mzamo Majola comes in for Thomas du Toit at loosehead.
Ruben van Heerden is back after missing the loss to the Chiefs a fortnight ago.
He partners Ruan Botha at lock.
Hyron Andrews plays off the bench this week.
Daniel du Preez also returns to the starting line-up, with Philip van der Walt moving back to flank and Jacques Vermeulen named amongst the replacements.
Injuries to Armand van der Merwe and Craig Burden mean a possible debut for Dylan Richardson, who is named as a reserve hooker.
Andre Esterhuizen is back in the final change to the starting line-up and only change to a very settled backline.
Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Sibusiso Nkosi, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Louis Schreuder (captain), 8 Daniel du Preez, 7 Jean-Luc du Preez, 6 Philip van der Walt, 5 Ruan Botha, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 1 Mzamo Majola.
Replacements: 16 Dylan Richardson, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 John-Hubert Meyer, 19 Hyron Andrews, 20 Jacques Vermeulen, 21 Cameron Wright, 22 Robert du Preez, 23 Kobus van Wyk.
Date: Saturday, May 25
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 17.15 (15.15 GMT)
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen
Assistant referees: Cwengile Jadezweni, Stefan Geldenhuys
TMO: Christie du Preez
