Sharks hit by double injury setback before All Blacks showdown

Springbok star Vincent Tshituka and lock Emile van Heerden have both been ruled out of the encounter, forcing the Sharks into two changes to their matchday squad.

Van Heerden, who was originally named to start in the second row, has withdrawn after sustaining an injury. He is replaced in the starting XV by Deon Slabbert, who joined the Sharks from the Pumas in 2026.

Slabbert will line up alongside Hendre Stassen in the second row as the Sharks prepare to face the All Blacks.

Tshituka, meanwhile, has been ruled out after suffering a concussion. The Springbok forward was named among the replacements but will now miss the historic fixture, with Corne Rahl taking his place on the bench.

The changes come as the Sharks prepare for one of the biggest fixtures in their history, with New Zealand visiting Kings Park for the first time since 1992, when they beat Natal 43-25.

Meanwhile, All Blacks legend Ma'a Nonu is set to run out for the Sharks against his old side. The 44-year-old centre has been named on the replacements bench just days after joining the franchise in a "high-performance mentorship" capacity in late July.

Sharks: 15 Zekhethelo Siyaya, 14 Donovan Don, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Murray Koster, 11 Litelihle Bester, 10 Vusi Moyo, 9 Bradley Davids, 8 Nick Hatton (captain), 7 Manu Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Deon Slabbert, 4 Hendre Stassen, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Eduan Swart, 1 Nemo Roelofse

Replacements: 16 Liam van Wyk, 17 Rambo Kubekha, 18 Simphiwe Ngobese, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Matt Romao, 21 Ivan van Zyl, 22 Luan Giliomee, 23 Ma'a Nonu.

READ MORE: All Blacks react to New Zealand legend Ma'a Nonu being selected for Sharks clash