Fassi gets Sharks' No.15 jersey

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt has once again had to implement changes to the team ahead of their clash against Griquas on Saturday.

"We’ve struggled with consistency in our selection due to Covid protocols and with injuries, it’s not ideal changing your team week after week and we’re losing important people as we go along," explained Everitt. “But that’s a problem all the teams are facing."

Changes to the tight five see Fezokhule Mbatha, Michael Kumbirai and JJ van der Mescht all given starts with Thembelani Bholi also coming into the starting line-up.

There is just one change at the back with Aphelele Fassi starting in place of Manie Libbok who left the field early after taking a knock last week but has recovered sufficiently to be named on the bench.

Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Lukhanyo Am (captain), 12 Jeremy Ward, 11 Yaw Penxe, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Thembelani Bholi, 6 Henco Venter, 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 JJ van der Mescht, 3 Michael Kumbirai, 2 Fezokuhle Mbatha, 1 Retshegofaditswe Nche.

Replacements: 16 Dan Jooste, 17 Khwezi Mona, 18 Hanru Jacobs, 19 Aston Fortuin, 20 Dylan Richardson, 21 Sanele Nohamba, 22 Mannie Libbok, 23 Anthony Volmink.

Date: Saturday, January 2

Venue: Kings Park, Durban

Kick-off: 16.30 (14.30 GMT)

Referee: Cwengile Jadezweni

Assistant Referees: Aimee Barrett-Theron and Divan Uys

TMO: Marius Jonker