Vincent Tshituka to captain Sharks as rested Boks sit out Lions clash

This will be the Durban outfit's first match since interim coach JP Pietersen was named the permanent head coach, as they look to build on the strong form that saw their flagging URC fortunes revived prior to the competition break.

They will have to do so without most of their Springbok contingent, however, who are currently observing player welfare rest protocols.

Despite those absences, Vincent Tshituka captains a side that retains significant experience throughout the match-day 23 - particularly among the replacements, where three Springboks - Vincent Koch, Phepsi Buthelezi and Jordan Hendrikse - add valuable impact and composure.

The Sharks are currently ninth on the overall URC log, and are chasing a top-eight finish while also targeting the South African Shield.

A return of four or five log points against the Lions would see the Sharks leapfrog the eighth-placed Ospreys into the top eight, and place the team in a strong position with the remaining fixtures to be played.

Sharks - 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Francois Venter, 12 Jurenzo Julius, 11 Jaco Williams, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Thomas Dyer, 7 Vincent Tshituka (C), 6 Tino Mavesere, 5 Jason Jenkins, 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Phatu Ganyane.

Replacements: 16  Eduan Swart, 17 Cameron Dawson, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Emile van Heerden, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Ross Braude, 22 Jordan Hendrikse, 23 Yaw Penxe.

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