Sharks bolstered by big names
The Sharks have been boosted by the return of Craig Burden and Lwazi Mvovo for the clash with the Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday.
Both players were made available to coach John Plumtree this week after returning from Springbok duty in Australasia, and he did not hesitate in including them in the starting line-up for the top-of-the-table match against the defending champions.
Plumtree has stuck largely with the team that played so well to defeat Western Province at Kings Park last weekend but has selected his team with a need for experience in mind as they take on the log leaders.
Kings-bound lock Steven Sykes returns from injury and will take up his second row position alongside Anton Bresler.
Paul Jordaan is also back from a week on the sideline following a knock he took against Griquas in Kimberley two weeks ago, but has been named on the bench as the midfield combination of Meyer Bosman and Tim Whitehead is maintained.
Plumtree said that the Lions will be full of confidence following their encouraging recent form, and called for a focused performance from his side at a venue they have not won at since 2010.
"The Lions have found some good form, they are winning away from home and we have not beaten them since 2010 in all competitions which has been a long time.
"We know what challenge lies ahead of us this weekend and it will be a very focused Sharks side that goes up there for this match," he said.
Sharks: 15 Louis Ludik, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Tim Whitehead, 12 Meyer Bosman, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Riaan Viljoen, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Keegan Daniel (captain), 7 Jean Deysel, 6 Jacques Botes, 5 Anton Bresler, 4 Steven Sykes, 3 Wiehahn Herbst, 2 Craig Burden, 1 Dale Chadwick.
Replacements: 16 Monde Hadebe, 17 Julian Redelinghuys, 18 Jandre Marais, 19 Brynard Stander, 20 Charl McLeod, 21 Paul Jordaan, 22 Sbura Sithole.
Date: Saturday, September 22
Venue: Coca-Cola Park, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 19.10 (17.10 GMT)
Referee: Jason Jaftha
Assistant referees: Jaco Peyper, Stefan Breytenbach
TMO: JC Fortuin