Sharks bolstered by return of key players for Lions clash

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt has made a number of changes to his side for their clash against the Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Some of the Sharks' more experienced players have been included in the matchday squad this week.

Springbok centre Lukhanyo Am takes over the No.13 jersey and the leadership duties from Jeremy Ward. Am is joined in the midfield by Rynhard Jonker.

Werner Kok and Yaw Penxe are the wings this week with Thaakir Abrahams and Anthony Volmink dropping out of the matchday squad.

Boeta Chamberlain replaces Jordan Chait at No.10 and his halfback partner will be Sanele Nohamba.

Aphelele Fassi keeps his place at fullback.

In the pack, there is a new back row in the form of Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Mpilo Gumede and Henco Venter.

Monster lock Le Roux Roets, who recently signed for the Sharks from the Pumas, is in the second row with Reniel Hugo.

John-Hubert Meyer holds onto the No.3 jersey this week and he is joined the front row by Dan Jooste and Mzamo Majola.

The Sharks will also go into Saturday's match with a strong bench, which includes the likes of Dylan Richardson, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Thomas du Toit, Thembelani Bholi, Curwin Bosch and Marius Louw.

Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Lukhanyo Am (captain), 12 Rynhard Jonker, 11 Yaw Penxe, 10 Boeta Chamberlain, 9 Sanele Nohamba, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Mpilo Gumede, 6 Henco Venter, 5 Reniel Hugo, 4 Le Roux Roets, 3 John-Hubert Meyer, 2 Dan Jooste, 1 Mzamo Majola.

Replacements: 16 Dylan Richardson, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Emile van Heerden, 20 Thembelani Bholi, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Curwin Bosch, 23 Marius Louw.

Date: Saturday, March 20

Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg

Kick-off: 16.15 (14.15 GMT)

Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge

Assistant Referees: AJ Jacobs, Griffin Colby

TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen