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The team will be hoping for a win against the Welsh side as they target a top three finish in in the URC standings.
Eben Etzebeth took a full part in training this week, ahead of the Sharks’ match with Scarlets. Picture: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
The good news is Eben Etzebeth is fine and will captain the Sharks in their final round United Rugby Championship pool match against Scarlets in Durban on Saturday (7.30pm).
There had been fears last weekend that the veteran Springbok lock had suffered a serious knee injury, but it appears the two-time World Cup winner is fit and ready to play.
Springbok team-mate Siya Kolisi though won’t play this weekend.
A win for the Sharks against the Welsh side and a defeat for Glasgow Warriors (against Leinster) will see John Plumtree’s men finish third on the points table. Should that transpire, the Sharks will host the sixth-placed team on the points table in the quarter-finals in two weeks’ time.
In all, there are four changes in the Sharks pack, while the backline has been retained that played last weekend.
Ox Nche returns at loosehead prop after missing last week’s game, taking over from Dian Bleuler, with Emile van Heerden also making his return to the second row with Jason Jenkins shifting to the bench, in place of Emmanuel Tshituka (concussion) who had a strong cameo in last week’s clash with the Ospreys, when he replaced Etzebeth.
Phepsi Buthelezi will play eighthman in place of Kolisi. The final change sees Tino Mavesere replacing James Venter on the side of the scrum.
In all, Plumtree has still selected nine Springboks in his starting team, with a further three on the bench.
Sharks: Aphelele Fassi, Ethan Hooker, Jurenzo Julius, Andre Esterhuizen, Makazole Mapimpi, Siya Masuku, Jaden Hendrikse, Phepsi Buthulezi, Vincent Tshituka, Tino Mavesere, Emile van Heerden, Eben Etzebeth (capt), Vincent Koch, Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche. Bench: Fez Mbatha, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Hanro Jacobs, Jason Jenkins, Nick Hatton, Bradley Davids, Francois Venter, Yaw Penxe
Players not available for selection due to injury or illness:
Corne Rahl, Dylan Richardson, Gerbrandt Grobler, Grant Williams, Henry Immelman, Jordan Hendrikse, Lukhanyo Am, Marnus Potgieter, Ruan Dryer, Trevor Nyakane
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