Andre Esterhuizen calls for unity as Sharks look to make amends against Scarlets

It's been a disappointing start to the season for the Durban outfit who have failed to live up to their star-studded potential - most notably in their defeat at home to Ulster last weekend despite fielding a team featuring 13 Springboks.

Head coach John Plumtree has kept changes to a minimum for the clash with the Welsh side, as the same pedigreed group of players will look to right the wrongs of last weekend's shock slip-up.

Eben Etzebeth once again captains the team, with just one rotation in the pack as Emmanuel Tshituka and Phepsi Buthelezi swap jerseys.

The suspended Makazole Mapimpi's absence sees Edwill van der Merwe move from fullback to his usual position on the wing, while Jordan Hendrikse starts at fullback.

Lukhanyo Am also returns to the starting lineup, replacing Jurenzo Julius, who shifts to the bench as cover.

Andre Esterhuizen said the focus this week has been on teamwork and cohesion, as the Sharks look to build on the lessons learned from last weekend's game.

"We didn't perform like we wanted to, I don't think we were cohesive enough and made too many individual errors," said the Bok powerhouse.

"But the boys have responded well, we took a hard look at ourselves and it's all about the next game against the Scarlets. We're all looking forward to it before the break, it's an opportunity for us to rectify things."

Asked what the central message was, Esterhuizen said: "For everyone to get on the same page so we can play to the level we know we're capable of. It's no use having a superstar team if we don't play like one - together. Everything revolves around team and we must stick together, whether it goes well or goes bad.

"For us, playing at home is always special, last year we won almost every home game and it's still a priority to keep our fans entertained and give them a good show.

"We love playing at home, for the fans."

Hollywoodbets Sharks - 15 Jordan Hendrikse, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Emmanuel Tshituka, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Eben Etzebeth (c), 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche

Replacements: 16 Fez Mbatha, Cameron Dawson, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, JJ Scheepers, Phepsi Buthelezi, Jaden Hendrikse, Jean Smith, Jurenzo Julius.

READ MORE: Springbok, Sharks wing Makazole Mapimpi hit with five-match ban