The Ox is back
Ox Nche is back to strengthen the Sharks scrum after surviving a hammering by the Bulls scrum two weeks ago. Likewise Aphelele Fassi makes a welcome return to the 15 jersey (Hakeem Kunene had a very good game against the Bulls). Phepsi drops to the bench with Manu Tshituka coming back into the team.
Being a home game a win against the Lions is non-negotiable for the Sharks. The Sharks are currently in 13th place on the log (though with a game in hand compared with e.g. Ospreys in 12th). After the Lions the Sharks still have games coming up against the Stormers (1 A 24 Jan), Stormers (1 H 31 Jan), Bulls (10 A 28 Feb), Munster (2 H 21 Mar), Cardiff (3 H 27 Mar), Ospreys (12 A 18 Apr), Edinburgh (11 A 24 Apr), Benetton (7 H 9 May), Zebre (14 H 16 May).
- Ox Nche
- Bongi Mbonambi
- Hanro Jacobs
- Jason Jenkins
- Emile van Heerden
- Siya Kolisi
- Vincent Tshituka
- Manu Tshituka
- Grant Williams
- Jordan Hendrikse
- Makazole Mapimpi
- Andre Esterhuizen (Captain)
- Ethan Hooker
- Edwill van der Merwe
- Aphelele Fassi
Replacements
- Eduan Swart
- Phatu Ganyane
- Mawande Mdanda
- Corne Rahl
- Phepsi Buthelezi
- Nick Hatton
- Jaden Hendrikse
- Siya Masuku