Sharks without Beast for Lions clash
Mtawarira was not considered for selection this week due to the death of his grandmother, which means Thomas du Toit starts at loosehead prop.
After playing off the bench last week in his first game this season, Daniel du Preez will operate in tandem from No.8 with his twin brother Jean-Luc in the back row. Captain Lubabalo Mtembu moves to the flank, while Jacques Vermeulen shifts to the bench.
There is just one change to the backline with Garth April replacing Clement Poitrenaud at fullback.
Scrumhalf Cobus Reinach will earn his 50th Super Rugby cap on Saturday.
Sharks: 15 Garth April, 14 Kobus van Wyk, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Daniel du Preez, 7 Jean-Luc du Preez, 6 Lubabalo Mtembu (captain), 5 Ruan Botha, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Mahlatse Ralepelle, 1 Thomas du Toit.
Replacements: 16 Franco Marais, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 Lourens Adriaanse, 19 Stephan Lewies, 20 Jacques Vermeulen, 21 Michael Claassens, 22 Inny-Christian Radebe, 23 Jeremy Ward.
Date: Saturday, April 1
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 17.05 (15.05 GMT)
Referee: Jaco van Heerden (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Jaco Peyper (South Africa), AJ Jacobs (South Africa)
TMO: Johan Greeff (South Africa)