Sharks bring out the big guns for Bulls
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks see out the 2022 year with a New Year's Eve derby against the Bulls at Kings Park in what should be a tense and exciting United Rugby Championship clash.
Both teams have enjoyed a good run of form of late, although the Bulls came up short against the Stormers in last weekend's round of local derbies - which saw them drop from second to the fourth spot on the URC standings.
That loss aside, the Bulls continue to offer a real test against every opponent they face, including the Sharks.
The Durban side is enjoying a rich vein of form, having won their last four games across the URC and the Champions Cup and will go into this game with plenty of momentum and confidence, knowing they have the team and the ability to deliver performances that produce the results.
Following last week's emphatic 37-10 victory over the Lions, the Sharks team named by Director of Rugby Neil Powell sees the return of some of the team's big names.
Managing the heavy workload of his Springboks has been a delicate balancing act, but this week they are back in action, testament to the threat posed by the visiting Bulls.
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Changes from last week's side see Retshegofaditswe Nché and Mbongeni Mbonambi back to partner Thomas du Toit in an all-Springbok front row.
Eben Etzebeth and Siyamthanda Kolisi also return to start the game, with Kolisi leading the side into battle.
Henco Venter and Sikhumbuzo Notshe complete the back row.
Marnus Potgieter is in for the injured Werner Kok, this being the only change to last week's backline as Powell looks to maintain continuity amongst the backs.
Sharks: 15 Boeta Chamberlain, 14 Marnus Potgieter, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Rohan Janse van Rensburg, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Henco Venter, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Mbongeni Mbonambi, 1 Retshegofaditswe Nché.
Replacements: 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Carlu Sadie, 19 Hyron Andrews, 20 Phendulani Buthelezi, 21 Jaden Hendrikse, 22 Lionel Cronje, 23 Yaw Penxe.
Date: Saturday, December 31
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 16.45 (14.45 GMT)
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen
Assistant referees: AJ Jacobs, Cwengile Jadezweni
TMO: Quinton Immelman