Sharks welcome Springbok returns ahead of URC derby against Lions

Springbok loosehead prop Ox Nche and fullback Aphelele Fassi return to the starting lineup after recovering from injuries, replacing Phatu Ganyane and Hakeem Kunene, respectively. Manu Tshituka also comes in at No. 8 for Phepsi Buthelezi, who drops to the bench alongside Ganyane.

Lock Corne Rahl and fullback Siya Masuku make welcome returns to the matchday 23, adding depth and experience to the bench alongside Springboks Buthelezi and Jaden Hendrikse.

Sharks interim coach JP Pietersen said the squad is building momentum after back-to-back wins. The Sharks defeated the Vodacom Bulls 21-12 in their last outing but remain 13th on the URC table with two wins from seven matches. In contrast, the Lions are eighth with three wins but come into the derby on the back of three consecutive losses.

Sharks loose forward Vincent Tshituka expressed confidence ahead of the clash: "It's been a really exciting time at the Sharks, we've had two good wins after a rough start to the season and that's helped us build the little bit of momentum and confidence we needed. JP has really challenged us on going from good to great and it's really lifted our standards in everything we do. We're all excited and believe we can turn this season around."

Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Ethan Hooker, 12 Andre Esterhuizen (c), 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Manu Tshituka, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche

Replacements: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Phatu Ganyane, 18 Mawande Mdanda, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Nick Hatton, 22 Jaden Hendrikse, 23 Siya Masuku

Date: Saturday, January 3

Venue: Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban

Kick-off: 15.30 (13.30 GMT)

Referee: Chris Allison (South Africa)

Assistant referees: Aimee Barrett-Theron (South Africa), Hanru van Rooyen (South Africa)

TMO: Egon Seconds (South Africa)

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