The Sharks have opted for continuity as they look to keep their playoff charge on track in Friday night’s clash against Cardiff at Kings Park.
With Springbok captain Siya Kolisi sidelined due to injury after a late withdrawal before last week’s 45-0 win over Munster, coach JP Pietersen has kept faith with the same forward combination that laid the platform for that performance.
The only tweaks come in the backline, where Bradley Davids replaces the injured Grant Williams at scrumhalf, while Ethan Hooker returns from family responsibility leave to slot in alongside captain André Esterhuizen in midfield.
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The Sharks are 11th on the log with five rounds of the league stage remaining – six points behind the eighth-placed Bulls.
SHARKS – 15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Ethan Hooker, 12 André Esterhuizen (c), 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Bradley Davids, 8 Nick Hatton, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Phatu Ganyane.
Bench: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Ox Nché, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Corné Rahl, 20 Jannes Potgieter, 21 Jaden Hendrikse/Ross Braude, 22 Jean Smith, 23 Le Roux Malan.
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
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