Durban – Springbok back Patrick Lambie returns to the Sharks’ starting XV for their final Super Rugby match of the regular season against the Cheetahs in Durban on Saturday.
Coach John Plumtree warned his team not to be complacent against a side with little to play for, in the final match of their campaign.
“The Cheetahs will come here wanting to finish the tournament on a high note,” Plumtree said.
“It is going to be hard because they always provide tough competition, it doesn’t matter whether they’re in the contest or not.”
South African international Willem Alberts is also back, although he only makes the bench for the Kings Park clash which, as it stands, the hosts must win to guarantee their place in the top six and play-off places.
Lambie, who missed the win against the Bulls last week due to an ankle problem, comes in for Louis Ludik at fullback in one of three changes to the starting line-up.
Lock Jandre Marais replaces injury doubtful Pieter-Steph du Toit at number four, while hooker Bismarck du Plessis makes way for Craig Burden in the centre of the scrum.
Among the replacements, Du Toit will face a late fitness test and has been bracketed with Jean Deysel, while centre Paul Jordaan is also due to undergo last minute tests on his ankle with Meyer Bosman on standby.
The Sharks team is: Patrick Lambie, JP Pietersen, Tim Whitehead, Frans Steyn, Lwazi Mvovo, Frederic Michalak, Charl McLeod, Ryan Kankowski, Marcell Coetzee, Keegan Daniel (captain), Anton Bresler, Jandre Marais, Jannie du Plessis, Craig Burden, Tendai Mtawarira. Replacements: Bismarck du Plessis, Wiehahn Herbst, Pieter-Steph du Toit/Jean Deysel, Willem Alberts, Jacques Botes, Meyer Bosman/Paul Jordaan, Louis Ludik. – Sapa