Three debutantes vs. Oyonnax

Plum has kept the same back line, but has made some changes in the pack with Corne Rahl swapping with Eben Etzebeth. Tino Masevere gets his first start in an international competition with Diego Appollis and Eduan Keyter likely making their debuts in the second half. Khwezi Mona comes onto the bench in place of Joel Hintz (who has looked very uncomfortable in the last two games).

The Sharks built up a decent 15 point lead in the last 30 minutes of the first half against the Lions, but relinquished it through IMO substitutions at the wrong time, some strange refereeing decisions and shocking decision making by especially senior players. The Sharks showed some good attacking play and tactical kicking in the first half, but will have to learn to play decent rugby for more than 30 minutes in a match.

1. Ox Nche
2. Fez Mbatha
3. Hanro Jacobs
4. Corne’ Rahl
5. Gerbrandt Grobler
6. Tino Mavesere*
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. Khwezi Mona
19. Eben Etzebeth
20. James Venter
21. Jaden Hendrikse
22. Diego Appollis*
23. Eduan Keyter*