Sharks modify wings for Rebels

Sharks head coach Robert du Preez has made seven changes to the side who suffered a 17-24 defeat to the Brumbies last week.

The modifications see Lwazi Mvovo and Sbu Nkosi replace Makazole Mapimpi and Kobus van Wyk on the wings, while Marius Louw takes over from André Esterhuizen at inside centre.

In the pack, Wian Vosloo shifts to the bench with Jacques Vermeulen moving to openside flank to accommodate Jean-Luc du Preez who returns to the starting line-up.

Springbok Tendai 'Beast' Mtawarira will don the No.1 jersey.

On the bench, hooker Franco Marais, lock Hyron Andrews and utility back Garth April are the fresh faces.

Sharks: 15 Curwin Bosch, 14 Sbu Nkosi, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Rob du Preez, 9 Louis Schreuder, 8 Tera Mtembu, 7 Jean-Luc du Preez, 6 Jacques Vermeulen, 5 Stephan Lewies, 4 Ruan Botha (captain), 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Akker van der Merwe, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.

Replacements: 16 Franco Marais, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 John-Hubert Meyer, 19 Hyron Andrews, 20 Wian Vosloo, 21 Cameron Wright, 22 Kobus van Wyk, 23 Garth April.

Date: Friday, March 23

Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne

Kick-off: 19.45 (08.45 GMT, 10.45 South Africa Time)

Referee: Shuhei Kubo (Japan)

Assistant referees: Nicholas Berry (Australia), Damon Murphy (Australia)

TMO: Ian Smith (Australia)