Top Boks still absent as Sharks name side to face Lions in Joburg

With Springbok resting protocols still in place, the likes of Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Bongi Mbonambi, Lukhanyo Am and Makazole Mapimpi are all absent once again for this week's resumption of the URC.

However, the Sharks do welcome back some valuable firepower in the form of Werner Kok, Vincent Tshituka and Dylan Richardson, who all return from injury for the clash at Ellis Park.

In changes to the side that played the Stormers last time around, Dan Jooste replaces Kerron van Vuuren at hooker and Hyron Andrews makes way for Reniel Hugo at lock in the only changes to the pack.

In the backline, Grant Williams returns to action, with Cameron Wright playing off the bench while Francois Venter takes over from Ben Tapuai who is the other backline player amongst the replacements.

The two sides last met at Kings Park in December last year with the Sharks crusing to a 37-10 bonus-point victory.

Saturday's clash kicks off at 3pm.

Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Francois Venter, 12 Rohan Janse van Rensburg, 11 Thaakir Abrahams, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi (captain), 7 Henco Venter, 6 James Venter, 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Reniel Hugo, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 Dan Jooste, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.

Replacements: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Vincent Tshituka, 20 Dylan Richardson, 21 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 22 Cameron Wright, 23 Ben Tapuai.