Sharks a team that is 'building a nice head of steam'

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks team to meet Ulster in their rescheduled Round Six United Rugby Championship match at Kings Park on Saturday shows minimal changes to the side that defeated the Lions last weekend.

The team is building a nice head of steam as the tournament pool stages wind down and the momentum they have taken out of their 29-7, bonus point victory over the Lions means they go into this game with confidence.

Keeping team selection intact as much as possible, Sharks Director of Rugby Neil Powell has made just three changes to last week’s side.

There are two new starters in the pack and one in the backline.

Dylan Richardson and Vincent Tshituka, the flanks who played a starring role off the bench last week, are getting the nod in the starting line-up - replacing James Venter and Henco Venter.

There is further good news on the return-from-injury status where Boeta Chamberlain has recovered from the injury he sustained against Union Bordeaux Bègles in their Champions Cup clash in mid-January.

Chamberlain, the current Sharks top-scorer in this year's competition (with 66 points) replaces the injured Aphelele Fassi at fullback.

Sharks: 15 Henry Chamberlain, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Francois Venter, 12 Rohan Janse van Rensburg, 11 Thaakir Abrahams, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phendulani Buthelezi (captain), 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Dylan Richardson, 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Reniel Hugo, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 Dan Jooste, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.

Replacements: 16 Fezokuhle Mbatha, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Emile van Heerden, 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21 Cameron Wright, 22 Lionel Cronje, 23 Yaw Penxe.

Date: Saturday, February 25

Venue: Kings Park, Durban

Kick-off: 14.00 (12.00 UK time & GMT)

Referee: Sam Grove-White

Assistant referees: Cwengile Jadezweni, Griffin Colby

TMO: Andrew McMenemy