Sharks make one change to starting XV

Head coach Robert du Preez has stuck with the same team, barring one change amongst the forwards where Jacques Vermeulen has come in for Philip van der Walt who took a blow to the face against the Highlanders and isn't available this week.

There is one more change – amongst the reserves – where Mahlatse Ralepelle, who is playing his 100th Super Rugby game, comes in for Franco Marais on the bench. 

Ralepelle had played on 69 occasions for the Bulls and will be playing his 31st match for the Sharks.

The Sharks come into this match against the Bulls with a measure of confidence, having beaten the Stormers and Highlanders either side of their second bye, and will be looking to make it three in a row.

Andre Esterhuizen will be playing his 50th Super Rugby game for the Sharks.

Sharks: 15 Curwin Bosch, 14 Sibusiso Nkosi, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Cameron Wright, 8 Daniel du Preez, 7 Jean-Luc du Preez, 6 Jacques Vermeulen, 5 Ruan Botha (captain), 4 Tyler Paul, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Armand van der Merwe, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.

Replacements: 16 Mahlatse Ralepelle, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 Ross Geldenhuys, 19 Stephan Lewies, 20 Wian Vosloo, 21 Louis Schreuder, 22 Marius Louw, 23 Lwazi Mvovo.

Date: Saturday, May 12

Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria

Kick-off: 17.15 (15.15 GMT)

Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge (South Africa) 

Assistant referees: AJ Jacobs (South Africa), Archie Sehlako (South Africa)

TMO: Marius Jonker (South Africa)