Sharks get key players back for Lions clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks Director of Rugby Neil Powell has revealed his team to face the Lions in a United Rugby Championship Round 14 clash in Johannesburg on Saturday.
Powell has selected a six-two split on the bench with Vincent Tshituka and Dylan Richardson returning from injury.
In changes to the starting side that suffered a 19-46 defeat to the Stormers in their last game, Dan Jooste replaces Kerron van Vuuren at hooker and Hyron Andrews makes way for Reniel Hugo at lock.
In the backline, Grant Williams returns to action, with Cameron Wright playing off the bench while Francois Venter takes over from Ben Tapuai who is the other backline player amongst the replacements.
The final change sees Werner Kok back from injury, replacing Marnus Potgieter on the wing.
The two sides met at Kings Park in December last year with the Sharks recording a 37-10 bonus-point victory.
Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Francois Venter, 12 Rohan Janse van Rensburg, 11 Thaakir Abrahams, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi (captain), 7 Henco Venter, 6 James Venter, 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Reniel Hugo, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 Dan Jooste, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Replacements: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Vincent Tshituka, 20 Dylan Richardson, 21 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 22 Cameron Wright, 23 Ben Tapuai.
Date: Saturday, February 18
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 15.00 (13.00 GMT)
Referee: Cwengile Jadezweni (South Africa)
Assistant Referees: Morne Ferreira (South Africa) & Stephan Geldenhuys (South Africa)
TMO: Quinton Immelman (South Africa)
