Sharks switch it up for Lions

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Saturday’s penultimate Currie Cup round, when the Sharks host the Lions at Kings Park, is a crucial weekend of action as the teams all vie for positions on the log.

Having fought their way against the odds and some fine opposition, the Sharks have worked their way to top spot on the log and that’s how they will want the pool stages to end before the knockouts.

The Sharks made six changes to their starting XV.

Alwayno Visagie comes in at centre. He replaces the formers Lions centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg, who moves to the bench.

The most significant change sees Springbok Aphelele Fassi start at left wing.

Fassi played off the bench during the Sharks' win over Griffons last weekend and will get a start in the crucial encounter.

The utility back replaces Marnus Potgieter, who will be part of the impact squad.

Scrumhalf Tiaan Fourie forms the new halfback partnership with flyhalf Lionel Cronje.

In the pack, Henco Venter will don the No.8 jersey. He is part of the new loos trio combination with James Venter and Dylan Richardson.

In the front row hooker Fezokuhle Mbatha and prop Khwezi Mona joins Ntuthukho Mchunu.

Sharks: 15 Nevaldo Fleurs, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Murray Koster, 12 Alwayno Visagie, 11 Aphelele Fassi, 10 Lionel Cronje, 9 Tiaan Fourie, 8 Henco Venrter, 7 James Venter, 6 Dylan Richardson, 5 Reniel Hugo (captain), 4 Ockie Barnard, 3 Ntuthukho Mchunu, 2 Dameon Venter, 1 Dian Bleuler.

Replacements: 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Marco de Witt, 20 Vincent Tshituka, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Rohan Janse van Rensburg, 23 Marnus Potgieter.

Date: Saturday, June 3

Venue: Kings Park, Durban

Kick-off: 19.00 (17.00 GMT)

Referee: AJ Jacobs

Assistant Referees: Cwengile Jadezweni, Phumzile Mbewu

TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen