'New' pivot for Sharks

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks name their side to face the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Wednesday in the second of the series of preparation matches.

After dispatching the  Griquas last Sunday in emphatic fashion, the Sharks will be up against a formidable opponent this week in what promises to be an exciting clash.

Centre Jeremy Ward leads a team that head coach Sean Everitt has only slightly jiggled from the previous match, naming the same matchday 23, but making three rotational changes.

Jordan Chait is named at flyhalf with Manie Libbok shifting to the bench.

John-Hubert Meyer gets a start in the front row as he switches with Michael Kumbirai in the only change amongst the forwards.

The final change sees Thaakir Abrahams and Werner Kok exchanging jerseys with the former getting an opportunity with a start on the wing.

Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Thaakir Abrahams, 13 Jeremy Ward (captain), 12 Murray Koster, 11 Anthony Volmink, 10 Jordan Chait, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Thembelani Bholi, 6 James Venter, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 JJ van der Mescht, 3 John-Hubert Meyer, 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 1 Khwezi Mona

Replacements: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Michael Kumbirai, 19 Reniel Hugo, 20 Mpilo Gumede, 21 Jaden Hendrikse, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Werner Kok

Date: Wednesday, March 10

Time: 19.00 (17.00 GMT)

Venue: Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein

Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen

Assistant Referees: Griffin Colby & Jaco Kotze

TMO: Cwengile Jadezweni