Durban – Utility back SP Marais will make his Sharks debut this week after he was included as one of two enforced changes to the starting XV for their Currie Cup encounter against the Lions in Durban on Friday.
The 24-year-old, who joined the KwaZulu-Natal franchise recently, comes in on the wing for Sizo Maseko after he sustained a hamstring injury against Griquas last Friday.
The other change is also as a result of injury, after centre Tim Whitehead picked up ankle and rib knocks.
Heimar Williams comes in for his first start.
Jacques Botes retains the captaincy after coming in as a late replacement for injured Keegan Daniel last week Ä the veteran loose forward plays at number eight.
The Sharks will be determined to bounce back from their shock 32-30 loss to the Griquas when they face the men from Gauteng.
“The Lions will want to get onto the winning track, likewise with us as well, they're a tough team to play against, they contest the breakdown really well and they defend well around the fringes of the rucks,” backline coach, Sean Everitt, said.
“They are physical but they also like to move the ball around, so defensively, we'll need to hold our width as well as contain them around the edges.”
Sharks team: Odwa Ndungane, SP Marais, Louis Ludik, Heimar Williams, Lwazi Mvovo, Butch James, Charl McLeod, Jacques Botes (capt), Jean Deysel, Brynard Stander, Marco Wentzel, Edwin Hewitt, Wiehahn Herbst, Kyle Cooper, Dale Chadwick.
Replacements: Craig Burden, Rayno Gerber, Peet Marais, Tera Mtembu, Cobus Reinach, Fred Zeilinga, Jaco van Tonder. – Sapa