Grobler starts against the Lions

Plum has made some rotational changes to the team that played in Cape Town. Fez Mbatha starts at hooker alongside Hanro Jacobs. Gerbrandt Grobler gets a start in the 5 jersey and Grant Williams and Jaden Hendrikse swaps places. Rohan jVR is back on the bench.

This is a must win match for the Sharks who is now dwelling in the last position on the URC log. The intensity at the contact point showed a major improvement against the Stormers. There were some good attacking continuity and patience at times. Unfortunately the scrums (not always fairly), kickoff receipts and decision making at key moments let the Sharks down. Hopefully they can continue improving as a squad.

1. Ox Nche
2. Fez Mbatha
3. Hanro Jacobs
4. Eben Etzebeth
5. Gerbrandt Grobler
6. James Venter   
7. Jeandre Labuschagne
8. Phepsi Buthelezi                                                             
9. Grant Williams       
10. Curwin Bosch
11. Makazole Mapimpi                                                           
12. Francois Venter  
13. Lukhanyo Am (C)
14. Werner Kok
15. Aphelele Fassi    

Replacements  

16. Kerron van Vuuren
17. Ntuthuko Mchunu
18. Joel Hintz
19. Corne Rahl  
20. George Cronje
21. Jaden Hendrikse                                                      
22. Boeta Chamberlain  
23. Rohan Janse van Rensburg